Smoothing the Flow at TNT Express and Somerfield using Truck Aerodynamic Styling

Abstract:

This document is a case study of TNT Express in Atherstone, written by the Department for Transport.

Aerodynamic drag is created as air resists the movement of a vehicle. This drag can have a significant impact on the vehicle's fuel consumption. The greater the drag, the harder the vehicle engine has to work and, as a result, more fuel is consumed.

Aerodynamic drag is affected by a number of factors, including vehicle shape, size of the vehicle's frontal area and travelling speed. Well maintained aerodynamic styling and correctly adjusted aerodynamic equipment can help to reduce drag.

Many trucks are supplied with aerodynamic styling by the manufacturer. Aerodynamic equipment can also be retrofitted to vehicles to improve fuel efficiency

The case studies illustrate that significant fuel savings can be made by using aerodynamics on tractor units and semi-trailers. The level of savings will depend on the type and size of vehicle, the travelling speed, the distances covered and also the nature of the operation. Higher speed long-distance trunking operations are more likely to derive greater benefit from aerodynamic styling than short distance stop/start multi-drop urban delivery operations.

Fuel savings from aerodynamic styling on a tractor unit account for up to 85% of all aerodynamics-based fuel savings. So, even if you do not own any semi-trailers, it could be worth equipping your tractor unit with a cab roof deflector and cab extension panels. If you operate using a variety of different height semi-trailers, it is worth considering installing a variable height cab roof deflector.

This case study is divided into the following sections:

Publication Year:

2006

Publisher:

Department for Transport

DOI:

No DOI minted

Author(s):

Department for Transport