Running Faster Doesn’t Make You More Profitable

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Dear Editor:

I agree with the letter from Paul Bauman in the May issue of Truck News: It’s time to stop whining about speed limiters. I’m of the same opinion that although I don’t agree with speed limiters, I too own my own truck and have for 30 years. I’ve always driven 60-62 mph, never had any trouble with traffic and found that to be the most profitable speed to run.

Not only do I average over 7 mpg with a 379 flat-top Pete with 475 C15 Cat engine, I also get long life out of my tires (just replacing first set of drive tires at 805,000 kms).

I’ve never put brakes on any of my trucks, and I normally get rid of them after four years. The brakes have always had over 60% life left on them at that time.

Running at that speed has also lowered rear-end temperatures (longer life), etc. No truck needs to run faster to make money.

Christopher Kellam Via e-mail

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Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


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