FUEL CONSUMPTION OF TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCKS AS AFFECTED BY SPEED LIMIT AND PAYLOAD WEIGHT

The effect of speed limit and payload weight on fuel consumption was determined in tests of tractor-trailer rigs. Two virtually identical vehicles were used, one loaded with a 28,000 lb payload and the other carrying 42,000 lbs; each was driven over two different sets of terrain on the Massachusetts Turnpike at simulated speed limits of 50, 55 and 60 mph. Onboard TSC observers recorded data on tank-measured fuel consumption, trip average speed, etc. An analysis of the data led to several conclusions which are presented.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142
• Authors:
  • Broderick, A J
• Publication Date: 1975-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 36 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commodities; Economic factors; Energy; Freight transportation; Fuel consumption; Highway transportation; Regulations; Road construction; Road tests; Speed limits; Tractor trailer combinations; Trailers; Truck tractors; Trucks; Velocity; Weight
• Old TRIS Terms: Payloads /highway construction/; Weight mass
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Freight Transportation; Highways; Law; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00094399
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-OST-75-3 Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1977 12:00AM