The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a final rule setting fuel consumption standards for heavy trucks in September 2011. For tractor-trailers, the standards focus on the gallons of fuel per thousand ton-miles. Ton-miles are equal to the weight of a shipment transported multiplied by the distance hauled. Because differences in the tractors create differences in the fuel used, standards were set for varying roof height (low, mid, and high), gross vehicle weight rating (class 7 and 8), and types of tractor (day cab, sleeper cab).
Combination Tractor Fuel Consumption Standards, Model Years (MY) 2014-2017
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Note: The standards for 2014 and 2015 are voluntary.
Class 7 trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating between 26,000 and 33,000 lbs.
Class 8 trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating over 33,000 lbs.
Supporting Information
| Low Roof | Mid Roof | High Roof | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MY 2014-2016 | ||||
| Day Cab | Class 7 | 10.5 | 11.7 | 12.2 |
| Class 8 | 8.0 | 8.7 | 0.9 | |
| Sleeper Cab | Class 8 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.3 |
| MY 2017 | ||||
| Day Cab | Class 7 | 10.2 | 11.3 | 11.8 |
| Class 8 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.7 | |
| Sleeper Cab | Class 8 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.1 |
Note: In addition to these standards, there were also standards set for the engines installed in tractors. | ||||