Every drop counts – when it comes to transportation business.

Sree Rama Rao A S, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftermarket, Volvo Trucks, VECV

For long haul operators, fuel accounts for roughly a third of total operating costs. Finding ways to reduce fuel consumption makes business sense. And, by reducing fuel you reduce emissions, which is good for the environment. Fortunately, a lot can be done – step by step. And Volvo is committed to leading the way.


For customers looking to reduce operating costs and improve profitability, fuel consumption is a perfect place to start with. So much can be done. Even relatively small measures, like driver training and ensuring correct wheel alignment, can have an instant, positive impact on the operator's bottom line – and it all adds up to huge savings over the long run.

Fuel saving is pure profit

The price of diesel at the pump and your true fuel costs are not the same thing. Actual fuel expenditure is calculated like this: Annual km x Fuel consumption (L/100km) x Price of diesel. An annual fuel savings of just 1% would increase gross profit by quite a lot, probably somewhere around 1.8%, per year, per truck. Imagine what this would mean during a four-year truck ownership – and an entire fleet! What's more, the actual fuel savings potential from Volvo's current fuel efficiency offer is probably closer to 3% or more – and we're working hard to make it even higher.

How to burn less fuel and make more profit

A Volvo truck is designed inside and out to promote fuel efficiency. Aerodynamic design and efficient engines are perfect examples.

Some of Volvo's current, industry-leading fuel efficiency features:

Saving fuel with every gear change

The I-Shift transmission helps the driver to change gears at the perfect time – throughout the entire drive. When driving in Economy mode, every gear change is timed precisely to let the engine work at its most efficient rpm range. I-Shift alone can help operators cut fuel costs by up to 3% compared to a manual gearbox, depending on the driver and drivers' conditions.

Monitoring fleet fuel consumption

Volvo's fleet management system allows customers to monitor fuel consumption in real time from the office through an intuitive web interface. Operators can analyse trends and find out where there's room for improvement, guided by built-in reports on fuel, driver behaviour and environmental impact.

Training for fuel efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, there is always room for improvement. Volvo's driver training provides even the most skilled drivers with useful tools that save fuel everyday. During the eight-hour customised course, drivers gain knowledge of: the factors, including driver behaviour, that influence efficiency, fuel consumption and safety; how different features of the truck can contribute to more efficient driving; and efficient driving in relation to the type of transport operation.

Achieving sustainable results

"At Volvo, we are committed to continuously raising the bar when it comes to fuel efficiency. A holistic approach is vital – this is how big gains in fuel efficiency are made. Technology improvements and driver behaviour improvements, for example, go hand in hand when it comes to achieving the fuel-saving potential. It's all about combining the truck's intelligent features with Volvo's industry-leading services to realise sustainable fuel-saving results."