Improved Aerodynamics Saves Fuel, Study Finds

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recently-completed study by truck manufacturer Mack finds that truckers could improve their fuel economy by up to 8% by improving the aerodynamics of their tractors and trailers.

The study shows that enclosing the gap between tractor and trailer and adding such aerodynamic accoutrements as trailer-length “side skirts” and drag reducing, rear-mounted “boat tails” can decrease overall fuel use, Mack said Tuesday in a statement.

Mark Kachmarsky, Mack’s chief project manager of product range management, said the truck maker is looking into developing a working “gap enclosure” based on the prototype used in the study.

Mack also said it will share the results of the project with trailer manufacturers interested in incorporating side skirts and boat tails into their designs.