How to Improve Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

It’s no secret that fuel is one of the costliest expenses for trucking business owners. In fact, in a recent survey gauging top industry concerns, fuel prices ranked number three, only behind the economy and truck parking.

Given how expensive it can be to run a trucking company, the most successful carriers learn how to cut costs where possible by optimizing fuel efficiency. Improving semi-truck fuel efficiency should be a top priority for drivers and carriers alike, if it isn’t already.

Fortunately, making small adjustments to your driving patterns and your truck itself can make a huge difference in fuel costs.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the cost of diesel fuel in 2025, what factors influence your fuel costs, and actionable tips to help you get the best return on every gallon. Then, you can implement some of these best practices and start seeing a difference in the average fuel economy of your semi-trucks.

Diesel Fuel Price Outlook

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the demand for diesel fuel is increasing, but the country’s capacity to manufacture and store it is declining. That means truckers can expect to pay even higher fuel prices in 2025. The EIA predicts that diesel prices will average $3.60 per gallon in 2025.

However, several factors will affect these prices throughout the year:

• Decreased global oil production
• Lower US refinery capacity
• Changes in environmental regulations

Truckers may not be able to do much to change the average cost of fuel in the US, but staying proactive is key. Operators can keep costs as low as possible by improving the efficiency of a semi-truck and staying updated on market developments.

17 Tips for Improving Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

While starting a trucking company comes with upfront costs, the ongoing expense of paying for fuel can also add up quickly. Improving the fuel economy of a semi-truck boosts fleet performance and keeps your business in good shape. Follow these strategies to increase your semi-truck fuel efficiency.

1. Ensure You’re Taking the Shortest Route

Long, meandering routes cover more miles and use more gas. When possible, take the shortest route. Route optimization tools or a dispatcher can help you find the most direct path to reduce diesel costs.

However, “short” isn’t always best. Routes with construction zones or congestion will increase idling time and gas use, so choose shorter routes while avoiding gas-guzzling traffic.

2. Limit Truck Idling

Idle trucks burn through gas without moving, severely cutting into your return on investment (ROI). Even just an hour of unnecessary idling daily can dramatically reduce the average fuel economy of semi-trucks over time. Drivers can make a big impact on semi-truck fuel efficiency by turning off the engine during long stops and using auxiliary power units or idle-reduction technologies.

3. Reduce Driving Speed

Driving faster may seem like a smart way to improve delivery timelines, but speeding reduces semi-truck fuel efficiency. Driving at a high speed increases aerodynamic drag and engine strain. In fact, fuel economy drops noticeably for every mile per hour over 65. Sticking to a moderate, consistent speed not only improves safety but is also a proven method for improving fuel efficiency for trucks.

4. Don’t Overfill Your Tank

Topping off your tank might seem harmless, but it can actually reduce semi-truck fuel efficiency. Overfilling leads to fuel spillage, added weight, and excess pressure that can damage the fuel system over time. Only fuel your tank to the appropriate level—even if it means making an additional stop along your route to refuel.

5. Invest in the Most Fuel-Efficient Tires

Have you calculated your cost per mile? Successful trucking companies track this metric to understand their business expenses and spot changes in their trucks. If you’re seeing a dip in fuel efficiency, it might mean it’s time to change your tires. Low rolling resistance tires are specifically designed to reduce road friction, improve heavy-duty truck fuel economy, and decrease fuel consumption over long hauls.

6. Track Driving Data

Knowledge is power, especially when you’re aiming for the most fuel-efficient semi-trucks on the road. Fortunately, today’s trucks are more connected than ever before. Telematics systems and fuel management tools can reveal patterns that affect semi-truck fuel economy, such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or excessive idling.

7. Drive in Cruise Control When Possible

Consistent speeds are key to lower fuel consumption. Frequent acceleration and deceleration burn more fuel, so keeping a steady pace can significantly improve the average fuel economy of semi-trucks. Conditions might not always allow you to use cruise control, but when they do, set the cruise to enjoy a smoother, more economical ride.

8. Routinely Inspect Your Engine Fan

A faulty or constantly running engine fan can drain horsepower and hurt fuel economy. If the fan is engaging too often—or worse, constantly running—it forces the engine to work harder than necessary, decreasing overall semi-truck engine efficiency. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure the fan operates only when needed. You should have a semi-truck maintenance checklist that reminds you to do this, but if not, be sure to add engine inspections to your routine.

9. Distribute the Load Evenly Throughout the Trailer

Uneven loads increase the chances of an accident, but they can also reduce your fuel efficiency. A properly balanced truck puts less strain on your engine and tires, stabilizing the vehicle and improving semi-truck efficiency.

10. Stay in a Higher Gear

Low gears consume more fuel by increasing engine workload, so staying in higher gears, especially on flat stretches, can significantly boost fuel efficiency. You shouldn’t always stay in high gear, but shifting at the appropriate time can reduce rotations per minute (RPM) on your engine, lowering fuel consumption.

11. Limit Rapid Decelerations and Accelerations

Sudden stops and quick starts burn more fuel than steady, gradual driving. Practicing smooth acceleration and braking improves the average fuel efficiency of semi-trucks while reducing wear on the engine and brakes. You can’t always prevent rapid changes in speed, but taking a more patient, balanced approach to driving can pay off with a lower fuel bill.

12. Keep Tabs on Tire Pressure

Maybe you’ve already invested in high-efficiency tires, but you still need to keep them properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder than it needs to. Always check tire pressure, especially before long stretches of driving.

13. Drive on the Straightest Highway Possible

Winding roads require frequent acceleration and deceleration, which reduce fuel efficiency. Choosing straight, flat highways when possible allows for a smoother drive, better cruise control usage, and improved semi-truck efficiency. Instead of spending hours mapping out the most fuel-efficient routes, work with your dispatcher to spot the straightest route available.

14. Utilize Truck Stop Rewards Programs

If you frequently stop at the same chain of truck stops, see if they offer rewards programs. Many truck stop chains offer loyalty programs that reward frequent fueling with points, discounts, and even free services. While this doesn’t directly impact the semi-truck fuel efficiency, it does help offset fuel costs and gives you the benefit of services like discounted parts or free showers.

15. Take Advantage of Fuel Discounts (Such as Fuel Card Programs)

Fuel cards are an excellent way to access consistent fuel savings, track expenses, and sometimes even receive data to help with semi-truck fuel efficiency. Many cards offer negotiated fuel rates at participating stations. While there are many benefits of fuel cards, each fuel card program will have different pros and cons, so calculate whether the rewards will truly make a difference to your bottom line.

16. Invest in Trailer Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic drag is one of the biggest enemies of semi-truck fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds. Adding side skirts, trailer tails, and gap reducers can significantly enhance airflow, improving semi-truck efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

17. Purchase a Newer Truck (If Necessary)

Trucks are easily the most expensive asset for any trucking company. It might not be practical, but if you’re in the market for a new truck anyway, consider semi-truck fuel efficiency while shopping. Modern models are designed with improved semi-truck engine efficiency, advanced aerodynamics, and fuel-saving technologies that drastically enhance the fuel economy of a semi-truck. Buying an older rig might be tempting because they’re cheaper up front, but a newer model could help you trim ongoing fuel costs.

Bonus Tip: Explore Factoring Fuel Advances

While you could add a fuel surcharge to your invoices to compensate for increased gas prices, your customers might not appreciate that. So, how can you bridge the gap in funding to pay for gas?

Factoring fuel advances can improve your trucking business cash flow, allowing you to invest in tools, maintenance, or upgrades that improve fuel efficiency over time. By using freight factoring services that offer fuel advances, you gain quicker access to working capital, which can help cover fuel costs up front and support better planning for strategies that enhance semi-truck fuel economy. It’s a smart financial move that can indirectly support your efforts to reduce costs and run a better trucking business.

In-Summary: Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

The fuel economy of your semi truck is a budget variable that you and your drivers have a lot of control over. Safe driving habits, proper maintenance, and data-driven technologies can improve fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs across your fleet.

However, even the most efficient rigs still require fuel. If you’ve tried optimizing your semi-trucks and are struggling to make ends meet, consider alternative financing options, such as fuel advances or even freight factoring.

Regardless, don’t let fuel costs hinder your business growth. Explore implementing these semi truck fuel efficiency tips and solutions to provide the financial flexibility you need to focus on the road ahead.