PIT Group testing fuel economy of 2016 and 2017 vehicles for U.S. Xpress

by Truck News

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — PIT Group announced recently that it’s in-service fuel testing is underway with U.S. Xpress.

Utilizing U.S. Xpress trucks configured in a variety of tractor and powertrain combinations, the testing includes 2016 and brand new 2017 vehicles as well as an exclusive 2017 model that is set to start production this November.  The evaluations are taking place at the carrier’s facility in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.

The In-Service Fuel Testing includes:

1)      Freightliner (MY2017) Cascadia

  • Engine: Detroit DD15 455HP 65MPH Set Speed
  • Transmission: Detroit DT12 DA 1550 12 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Detroit DA RT 40 Ratio: 2.41

2)      Peterbilt (MY2016) 579 “6X2”

  • Engine: PACCAR MX13 455HP 65MPH Set Speed Transmission
  • Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Dana Econo TREK w/ Bendix eTrac System Ratio: 2.69

3)      Peterbilt (MY2016) 579

  • Engine: PACCAR MX13 455HP 65MPH Set Speed
  • Transmission: Allison TC-10 Automatic Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Dana DSP40 Ratio: 2.69

4)      Peterbilt (MY2016) 579

  • Engine: PACCAR MX13 455HP 65MPH Set Speed
  • Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Dana DSP40 Ratio: 2.69

5)      Kenworth T680 (MY2017)

  • Engine: PACCAR MX13 405HP 65MPH Set Speed Transmission
  • Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Dana D40-155H ADVANTEK40 Ratio: 2.64

6)      Navistar Prostar ES (MY2017)

  • Engine: Cummins ISX15 450HP 65MPH Set Speed
  • Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Dana D40-155H ADVANTEK40 Ratio: 2.64

7)      Navistar LT (MY2017)

  • Engine: Cummins X15 400HP 65MPH Set Speed
  • Transmission: Eaton Advantage 10 Speed Direct Drive Automated Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle: Dana D40-155H ADVANTEK40 Ratio: 2.64

“Like most carriers we take fuel economy seriously and we believe this test will help validate the decisions we make about our equipment,” said Gerry Mead, senior vice-president of maintenance at U.S. Xpress.  “Using a proven process and a certified and highly experienced team from PIT Group will provide solid test results on fuel economy. We look forward to the results.”

For the U.S. Xpress evaluations, PIT Group has identified a 60-mile test course on highways and local roads. To represent typical fleet operations, U.S. Xpress fleet will pull trailers with loads of equal weight. An in-cab observer provided by PIT Group will accompany U.S. Xpress drivers operating the test vehicles. U.S. Xpress will also provide fuel, technicians and maintenance facilities for the event, including a mobile service truck if required.

“We are very pleased that U.S. Xpress counts on our expertise to select the best vehicle specs for its fleet. Having so many vehicle and component manufacturers that decided to take part in our first U.S. In-Service Fuel Testing, shows the value of independent testing for both fleet and suppliers” said Yves Provencher, director of the PIT Group. “The real world data about the fuel consumption of a variety of powertrain combinations that we are collecting will be very valuable to PIT Group Members as they make specification decisions and to suppliers as they design and develop new technologies.”


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