ST-HYACINTHE, Que. — Mechanical tarp manufacturer ElCargo participated in the latest Energotest conducted by FPInnovations and helped confirm that covered dump trailers can result in a 14.9% fuel savings compared to open ones.

The company is urging customers to ensure the tarps are used even while empty to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy.

“We already knew that using our mechanical tarp systems allowed substantial fuel economy,” says Real Royer, president of ElCargo Fabrication. “Our clients were coming back to us with stories about amazing fuel economy. But we did not have any scientific source to support our clients’ words. That is what brought us to take part of Energotest project.”

ElCargo has parlayed the successful showing at Energotest into an endorsement by the Quebec Transport Ministry’s Energy Efficiency in Freight Transportation Program (Quebec’s equivalent of the US EPA SmartWay program), allowing fleets to seek grant money that can cover up to 30% of the cost of an ElCargo tarp system.

“The profitability of our mechanical systems was already great, thanks to the fuel economy they provide,” adds Royer. “But with the availability of this grant, there is no reason a carrier or owner/operator should drive around without the benefits of our mechanized tarp systems.”

More info’s available at 877-353-3560 or 450-253-3560.