Illinois-based truckload services carrier Nussbaum Transportation (www.nussbaum.com) is retrofitting their entire fleet of more than 225 trucks with aerodynamic wheel covers manufactured by aerodynamics company FlowBelow Aero (www.flowbelow.com).
Unlike traditional wheel covers, the FlowBelow Aero covers feature a "quick-release" attachment that allows technicians and drivers to quickly access the wheels for regular maintenance and inspection.
Nussbaum expects to receive a return on investment from fuel savings in seven months, says Phil Braker, the company’s vice president of operations.
"Nussbaum Transportation has made substantial efforts toward improving fuel efficiency and as a result we have seen a very realizable improvement on our bottom line," he notes.
Among the other ways the trucking company has increased fuel efficiency include the use of a comprehensive driver training and incentive program, late model trucks and trailers, downsized fuel tanks, tractors equipped with 6x2 drive axles, wide-base tires on all tractors and trailers and aerodynamic skirts and tails on trailers.
"We’ve been very pleased with FlowBelow’s product in terms of the ease of use, durability and fuel savings over an extensive test period," says Tony Morthland, director of maintenance at Nussbaum. “With regard to wheel-end maintenance, the ability to maintain unrestricted accessibility to the wheels is a critical reason why FlowBelow’s wheel cover design works so well for us.
"Over the next few months, we plan to install FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit product on our newer trucks, giving them even more fuel savings potential."
The Tractor AeroKit includes wheel covers and a pair of tandem fairings that "work together as a complete aerodynamic system to address the complex airflow around the exposed rear wheels of the tractor," explains Josh Butler, FlowBelow’s president.
