Operating Long Combination Vehicles +8Alberta · CDL · English

The carrier issues an annual LCV Driver's Certificate, valid 12 months, which must be carried when operating an LCV. Before issuing it, the carrier must ensure the driver meets qualifications including licence, experience, training and a clean abstract.

• ✓The LCV Driver's Certificate is valid for 12 months and must be carried when operating an LCV
• ✓Driver must hold a valid Class 1 licence and have passed a recognized air brake course
• ✓Driver must have at least 24 months or 150,000 km experience with articulated Class 1 vehicles
• ✓Driver must have passed a PDIC within the past 48 months and the CTA LCV Driver Training Course
• ✓Abstract must show no driving-related criminal convictions in 36 months, no more than two moving violations in 12 months, and no more than three in 36 months

The maximum speed limit for drivers of long combination vehicles shall not exceed 100 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower.

• ✓Maximum LCV speed is 100 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower

Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs) operate under a permit issued per Section 62 of the Traffic Safety Act with general provisions that must be followed. Examples include Rocky Mountain Double, Triple, and Turnpike Double combinations.

• ✓LCVs require a permit issued under Section 62 of the Traffic Safety Act
• ✓Carriers must follow all general provisions of the permit
• ✓Examples of LCVs include Rocky Mountain Double, Triple, and Turnpike Double

Large vehicles should use the four-second rule instead of the two-second passenger rule. Double and triple trailer units need more space because they cannot turn or stop as quickly.

• ✓Use the four-second rule for following distance when operating a large vehicle
• ✓Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object and count; if you reach it before one-thousand-and-four you are too close
• ✓Double your following distance when weather, road or traffic conditions are poor

Turning a large vehicle requires accounting for off-tracking and a wider turning radius. Use hand-over-hand steering with both hands and select the proper gear before starting the turn.

• ✓Use the hand-over-hand steering method and keep both hands on the wheel
• ✓Select the appropriate gear before starting the turn unless the vehicle has an automatic transmission
• ✓Account for off-tracking and the wider turning radius on every turn

On right turns allow for low speed off-tracking and watch for cyclists and small vehicles pulling alongside. On narrow streets drive well into the intersection before turning. On left turns keep the arc wide enough to avoid crossing the centre line.

• ✓On right turns allow for low speed off-tracking to avoid hitting objects, curbs or pedestrians
• ✓On narrow streets drive well into the intersection before turning, possibly crossing the centre line
• ✓Watch for smaller vehicles and cyclists on the right side during a right turn
• ✓On left turns make the arc wide enough to off-track without crossing the centre line and finish to the right of the centre line

Large vehicles require greater following distance than passenger vehicles. Use the four-second rule and double it in poor conditions.

• ✓The two-second rule is the minimum for passenger vehicles at any speed
• ✓Use the four-second rule for large vehicles by counting one-thousand-and-one etc. as the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object
• ✓If you reach the object before counting to one-thousand-and-four you are following too closely
• ✓Double and triple trailer units need more following distance because they cannot turn or stop quickly
• ✓Double your following distance when weather, road or traffic conditions are poor

Off-tracking occurs when rear tires follow a different path than the steering tires. There are two types: low speed and high speed.

• ✓Low speed off-tracking pulls rear tires inward of the steering path; longer wheelbase or tighter turns increase it
• ✓High speed off-tracking, from centrifugal force, pulls rear tires outward during turns
• ✓Use a moderate speed when entering curves on open highways to avoid serious high-speed off-tracking

On right turns, allow for low speed off-tracking so rear wheels do not hit objects, curbs or pedestrians. Drive well into the intersection on narrow streets.

• ✓Allow for low speed off-tracking on every right turn as rear wheels follow a shorter path
• ✓On narrow streets, drive well into the intersection before turning, possibly over the centre line or into the second lane
• ✓Watch for smaller vehicles and cyclists that may pull along the right side during the turn

On left turns ensure the turning arc is wide enough for the vehicle to off-track on the left without crossing the centre line, and complete the turn on the right of the centre line.

• ✓Ensure the turning arc is wide enough to off-track on the left without crossing the centre line
• ✓Make the turn wide enough to prevent cutting the corner and hitting another vehicle
• ✓Complete the turn by driving to the right side of the centre line of the road entered

Enter curves at a speed that does not require braking. Centrifugal force pushes the vehicle outward and traction resists it; excess speed can cause loss of control.

• ✓Enter a curve at a speed that lets you gradually accelerate while in the curve without braking
• ✓Centrifugal force pushes the vehicle towards the outside of the curve; traction resists it
• ✓Braking in a curve at excessive speed may cause the vehicle to skid, roll over or jackknife
• ✓Right curves: keep the front closer to the centre of the road so trailer wheels do not drop off the pavement on the right
• ✓Left curves: keep the front closer to the right side of the road so trailer wheels do not cut into the other lane

Large vehicles need special turning technique accounting for off-tracking and wider turning radius. Hand-over-hand steering is recommended.

• ✓Use the hand-over-hand steering method with both hands on the wheel
• ✓Select the appropriate gear before starting the turn unless the transmission is automatic
• ✓Remember off-tracking tendencies and the wider turning radius

The DPLS0005 form requires the student's name (last, first, second), operator's licence number and date of birth in year/month/day format. It also requires the full name and code number of the licensed driver training school or certified employee driver training agency, plus the classroom instructor's first and last name and the practical test instructor's last and first name.

• ✓Record student name, operator's licence number and date of birth (yyyy-mm-dd)
• ✓Record full name and code number of the driver training school or agency
• ✓List both the classroom instructor and the practical test instructor names

The date course completed is the date the student successfully completed the practical test, written in year/month/day format. An authorized representative of the driver training school or employee driver training agency must sign and print their first and last name, verifying the student has completed all parts of the air brake course.

• ✓Date course completed equals the date the student passed the practical test
• ✓An authorized representative must sign and print their name to verify course completion
• ✓The signature confirms the student completed all parts of the air brake course

The Registry Agent Section must NOT be filled out by the training school; it is completed by Registry Agents upon successful completion of the air brake knowledge test. To take the knowledge test, present the original form and government-issued photo ID to a Registry Agent. The form is valid for 12 months from the date of passing the knowledge test.

• ✓Do not fill out the Registry Agent Section; it is completed by Registry Agents
• ✓Present the original form and government photo ID to take the knowledge test
• ✓The form is valid for 12 months from the date of passing the knowledge test

The DPLS0005 form comes in duplicate. Students must be given the top copy. Authorized organizations must keep the Training School/Agency copy for their records. If the student loses the original form, they should contact Driver Programs and Licensing Standards.

• ✓Students must be given the top copy of the duplicate form
• ✓Authorized organizations must keep the Training School/Agency copy for their records
• ✓If the original is lost, contact Driver Programs and Licensing Standards

Nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada are produced by the road transportation sector, with a significant portion from heavy-duty vehicles. Drivers can make many practical decisions—from vehicle specifications to driving techniques—to be more fuel-efficient.

• ✓Nearly 30% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions come from road transportation
• ✓Driver behaviour and vehicle specifications both affect fuel efficiency

Plan routes carefully—flat routes are more fuel efficient than mountainous, and highway driving beats inner-city driving. Maximize payload (aim for 80-90% capacity instead of 60%). Read the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's driving recommendations.

• ✓Flat highway routes are more fuel efficient than mountainous or inner-city routes
• ✓Maximize payload toward 80-90% capacity for efficiency
• ✓Follow the manufacturer's driving recommendations in the owner's manual

Using the proper grade and type of fuel can improve fuel economy by up to 3%. A direct drive transmission (vs overdrive) may reduce consumption by up to 2%. Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10% can increase fuel efficiency by 5%. Use rib design tires in all positions, consider low rolling resistance/super single tires, and lighter truck specs where appropriate.

• ✓Proper fuel grade/type can improve fuel economy by up to 3%
• ✓Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10% increases fuel efficiency by 5%
• ✓Rib design tires are more fuel efficient than lug tires on drive/steering axles
• ✓Direct drive transmission may reduce fuel consumption by up to 2%

Weather affects fuel efficiency—snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption by 15 to 20%, and heavy winds significantly affect economy. Minimize effects by avoiding bad weather (change trip times/routes), adjusting speed to conditions (reduce in strong head winds), maintaining safe following distance, and not parking on icy grades.

• ✓Snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption by 15 to 20%
• ✓Reduce speed in strong head winds and adjust to conditions
• ✓Do not park a tractor-trailer on an icy grade—getting stuck wastes fuel and time

Driving a flat, multi-lane highway improves fuel efficiency by 4 to 11% compared to a flat two-lane highway, up to 18% compared to a mountainous highway, and 25 to 35% compared to taking a suburban route.

• ✓Flat multi-lane highway is 4-11% more efficient than a flat two-lane highway
• ✓Flat multi-lane highway is up to 18% more efficient than a mountainous highway
• ✓Flat multi-lane highway is 25-35% more efficient than a suburban route

Daily vehicle inspections identify problems and defects before operating on the highway, preventing collisions. The inspection uses a schedule listing components to check, and the driver completes a report. The inspection and report are valid for 24 hours and must be carried in the vehicle.

• ✓A trip inspection and report are valid for a maximum of 24 hours
• ✓The driver must carry the inspection schedule and report in the vehicle
• ✓The driver must monitor vehicle condition for defects while en route
• ✓An inspection by another person may be used if completed within 24 hours

Provincially regulated carriers must inspect trucks registered at 11,794 kg or greater and commercial passenger vehicles seating 11 or more. Federally regulated carriers must inspect trucks registered at 4,500 kg or greater and passenger vehicles seating 11 or more.

• ✓Provincial carriers: trucks 11,794 kg and greater require trip inspection reports
• ✓Federal carriers: trucks 4,500 kg and greater require trip inspection reports
• ✓Passenger vehicles seating 11 or more including driver require inspection
• ✓A trip inspection is required as part of the Class 1, 2 and 3 road test

Drivers must record defects immediately after inspection or upon discovery en route. Minor and major defects must be reported to the carrier immediately. A driver may continue with a recorded minor defect but must NOT drive with a major defect listed on the inspection schedule.

• ✓Defects must be recorded on the report immediately upon discovery
• ✓Minor and major defects must be reported to the carrier immediately
• ✓A driver may continue driving with a recorded and reported minor defect
• ✓No person shall drive a commercial vehicle with a listed major defect
• ✓Driver must produce the inspection schedule and report on demand of a peace officer

For large vehicles use the four-second rule for following distance. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object and count; if you reach the object before counting to one-thousand-and-four you are too close. Double the following distance in poor conditions.

• ✓The two-second rule is the minimum for passenger vehicles at any speed
• ✓Use the four-second rule for large vehicles
• ✓Double your following distance when weather, road or traffic conditions are poor

Off-tracking occurs when rear tires follow a different path than steering tires. Low speed off-tracking pulls rear tires inward and is common in cities; high speed off-tracking, from centrifugal force, pulls rear tires outward on curves at higher speeds.

• ✓Low speed off-tracking pulls rear tires inward of the steering path
• ✓Longer wheelbase or tighter turn increases low speed off-tracking
• ✓High speed off-tracking pulls rear tires outward due to centrifugal force
• ✓Use moderate speed entering curves on open highways to avoid dangerous high-speed off-tracking

For every turn of the wheel the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front. On narrow streets drive well into the intersection before turning, possibly crossing the centre line. Watch for smaller vehicles and cyclists that may pull along the right side.

• ✓Allow for low speed off-tracking on every right turn
• ✓On narrow streets, drive well into the intersection before turning
• ✓Watch for smaller vehicles and cyclists pulling along the right side during the turn

Enter a curve at a speed that does not require braking but allows gradual acceleration through it. Centrifugal force pushes the vehicle outward; traction resists it. Excess speed or braking in a curve can cause skid, rollover or jackknife.

• ✓Enter curves at a speed that requires no braking, then accelerate gradually
• ✓Centrifugal force pushes the vehicle to the outside of the curve; traction resists it
• ✓Braking at too great a speed in a curve may cause skid, rollover or jackknife

Double and triple trailer units are longer and cannot turn or stop as quickly, so allow more following distance and larger gaps before entering or crossing traffic, and be certain the sides are clear before changing lanes.

• ✓Allow more following distance for double and triple units
• ✓Ensure gaps are large enough before entering or crossing traffic
• ✓Check the sides are clear before changing lanes

Turning a large vehicle requires accounting for off-tracking and a wider turning radius. Use the hand-over-hand steering method with both hands and select the appropriate gear before starting the turn unless the vehicle is automatic.

• ✓Use the hand-over-hand steering method and both hands
• ✓Select the appropriate gear before starting the turn unless automatic
• ✓Account for off-tracking and the wider turning radius

When turning left, ensure the turning arc is wide enough to allow off-tracking on the left side without crossing the centre line, and prevent cutting the corner. Complete the turn by driving to the right side of the centre line of the road entered.

• ✓Make the turning arc wide enough to off-track on the left without crossing the centre line
• ✓Prevent cutting the corner and hitting another vehicle
• ✓Complete the turn to the right side of the centre line of the road entered

On right curves keep the front of the vehicle closer to the centre of the road so trailer wheels don't roll over the curb or drop off the pavement. On left curves keep the front closer to the outside (right side) so trailer wheels don't cut into the other lane.

• ✓On right curves keep the front closer to the centre of the road
• ✓On left curves keep the front closer to the outside (right side of road)

Preventative maintenance keeps your vehicle healthy and efficient, avoiding unexpected downtime. Beyond scheduled maintenance: keep tires inflated per manufacturer specs (1% of fuel is wasted per 10 psi of under-inflation); do a pre-trip inspection (it's the law); do a post-trip inspection; ensure correct fluid levels; monitor the air filter restriction indicator; and check gauges, tires, and cargo every three hours.

• ✓1% of fuel is wasted for each 10 psi of tire under-inflation
• ✓A pre-trip inspection is legally required before you drive
• ✓Check gauges, tires, and cargo every three hours during the trip
• ✓Both under-filling and over-filling fluids can damage your vehicle

Always set the tractor parking brake, do not use the trailer hand valve to hold a parked unit, put the transmission in the lowest gear, and block wheels with chocks. The transmission alone must not secure the vehicle.

• ✓Set the parking brake in the tractor; do not use the trailer hand valve to hold a parked unit
• ✓Put the transmission in the lowest forward or reverse gear and the two-speed axle in low range
• ✓Block wheels with chocks; minimum square block size is 15 cm by 15 cm
• ✓Always use the parking brake system and wheel blocks, not just the transmission

Parked wheels must be no more than 50 cm from the curb and the vehicle left in low gear/reverse (manual) or park (automatic) with the park brake engaged. Wheel direction depends on grade and curb presence.

• ✓Parked wheels must be no more than 50 cm from the curb
• ✓For parking downhill, with or without a curb, turn front wheels to the right
• ✓For parking uphill with a curb, turn front wheels to the left
• ✓For parking uphill without a curb, tractor-trailer units with one articulation point turn front wheels to the left
• ✓With a curb, allow the vehicle to roll until the front wheels contact the curb before setting the park brake

Always park in a safe place, set the tractor parking brake, put transmission in low gear, and block the wheels. Do not rely on the transmission or trailer hand valve.

• ✓Set the parking brake in the tractor and do not use the trailer hand valve to hold a parked unit
• ✓Put the transmission in the lowest forward or reverse gear, and a two-speed axle in low range
• ✓Block wheels with chocks; minimum square block size is 15 centimetres by 15 centimetres
• ✓Always use both the parking brake system and wheel blocks

When parking on a hill the wheels must be within 50 centimetres of the curb and turned in the correct direction depending on grade and curb.

• ✓Wheels must be no more than 50 centimetres from the curb
• ✓Downhill (with or without curb): turn front wheels to the right
• ✓Uphill with a curb: turn front wheels to the left
• ✓Uphill without a curb: tractor-trailer units with one articulation point turn front wheels to the left
• ✓With a curb, let the vehicle roll until front wheels contact the curb before setting the park brake

Parked wheels must be no more than 50 cm from the curb, with the vehicle in low gear/reverse (manual) or park (automatic) and the park brake engaged. Wheel direction rules apply to right-side parking; reverse for left-side parking.

• ✓Parked wheels must be within 50 cm of the curb
• ✓Parking downhill (with or without curb): turn front wheels to the right
• ✓Parking uphill with a curb: turn front wheels to the left
• ✓Parking uphill without a curb: single-articulation tractor-trailers turn front wheels to the left
• ✓Where a curb exists, let wheels contact the curb before setting the park brake

Select a safe place, set the tractor parking brake, and never use the trailer hand valve to hold a parked unit. Put the transmission in the lowest forward or reverse gear and a two-speed axle in low range. Use wheel chocks; do not rely on the transmission.

• ✓Set the parking brake in the tractor; do not use the trailer hand valve to hold the unit
• ✓Put the transmission in the lowest forward or reverse gear
• ✓Block wheels with chocks at least 15 cm by 15 cm
• ✓Do not rely on the transmission to secure the vehicle

Plan routes carefully — flat routes are more fuel efficient than mountainous, and highway driving beats inner-city driving. Maximize payload (aim for 80-90% capacity instead of 60%). Read the owner's manual and follow manufacturer's driving recommendations.

• ✓Flat routes and highway driving are more fuel efficient than mountainous or inner-city routes
• ✓Maximize payload — aim for 80-90% capacity rather than 60%
• ✓Follow the manufacturer's driving recommendations in the owner's manual

Using proper grade and type of fuel can improve fuel economy by up to 3%. A direct drive transmission instead of overdrive may reduce consumption up to 2%. Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10% can increase efficiency by 5%. Use rib design tires in all positions, consider low rolling resistance or super single tires, choose lighter specifications, and use heaters/aerodynamic accessories.

• ✓Proper grade/type of fuel can improve fuel economy by up to 3%
• ✓Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10% can increase fuel efficiency by 5%
• ✓Rib design tires are more fuel efficient than lug tires on drive and steering axles
• ✓Lighter truck specifications improve fuel economy and increase freight capacity

Snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption by 15 to 20%, and heavy winds also affect economy. Minimize effects by avoiding bad weather (change trip times/routes), adjusting speed for conditions (reduce for head winds), maintaining safe following distance, and not parking a tractor-trailer on an icy grade.

• ✓Driving on snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption by 15 to 20%
• ✓Reduce speed when there is a strong head wind
• ✓Do not park a tractor-trailer on an icy grade — getting stuck wastes fuel and time

Preventative maintenance keeps your vehicle efficient. Keep tires inflated to manufacturer specs (1% of fuel is wasted for each 10 psi of under-inflation). Perform pre-trip (required by law) and post-trip inspections, keep fluids correct, monitor the air filter restriction indicator, and check gauges, tires and cargo every three hours during the trip.

• ✓1% of fuel is wasted for each 10 psi of tire under-inflation
• ✓A pre-trip inspection is required by law and helps avoid breakdowns
• ✓Check gauges, tires and cargo every three hours during the trip
• ✓Under-filling and over-filling fluids can both damage the vehicle

Start with zero throttle in a gear needing no throttle. Do not pump the throttle of a fuel-injected engine (fuel is pre-measured) or older mechanical engines (wastes fuel, damages cylinder walls). Use ether sparingly. Do not increase engine speed when warming up — five minutes of idling is generally adequate. Ensure oil and air pressure are in normal ranges, then warm up by driving easily.

• ✓Start the vehicle with zero throttle in a gear that needs no throttle
• ✓Do not pump the throttle of a fuel-injected engine — the fuel is pre-measured
• ✓Five minutes of idling for warm-up is generally adequate
• ✓Use ether sparingly — excessive use can harm the engine

Reduce average speed, change gears smoothly (professional shifting yields about 30% improvement in operating costs), always use the clutch, and practice progressive gear shifting at about 1600 rpm. Run the engine in the highest gear range to keep a low rev range, back off the accelerator over hilltops, use cruise control where appropriate, and use the retarder properly.

• ✓Professional gear shifting can improve operating costs by about 30%
• ✓Always use the clutch — failure can wear gear teeth in the transmission
• ✓Practice progressive gear shifting at approximately 1600 rpm
• ✓Run the engine in the highest gear range to keep a low rev range

Idling a truck engine burns up to four litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm. Turn off the engine when stopped for any length of time to save fuel, reduce maintenance, prolong engine life and prevent emissions. Cutting idling by one hour a day for 260 days saves about 10,400 litres per truck.

• ✓Idling burns up to four litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm
• ✓Turn off the engine when stopped for any length of time
• ✓Reducing idling saves fuel, reduces maintenance and prolongs engine life

Managing road speed with smart driving techniques keeps speed constant and improves efficiency. Generally, for every 10 km/h over 90 km/h you use 10% more fuel.

• ✓For every 10 km/h over 90 km/h, you use 10% more fuel
• ✓Keeping a constant speed increases fuel efficiency

Plan routes carefully—flat routes are more efficient than mountainous, and highway driving beats inner-city. Maximize payload (aim for 80-90% capacity instead of 60%). Read the owner's manual and follow manufacturer driving recommendations.

• ✓Choose flat and highway routes over mountainous or inner-city routes
• ✓Maximize payload to 80-90% capacity
• ✓Follow the manufacturer's driving recommendations in the owner's manual

Preventative maintenance keeps a vehicle efficient. Inflate tires per manufacturer specs—1% of fuel is wasted for each 10 psi of under-inflation. Do pre-trip (legally required) and post-trip inspections, keep fluid levels correct, monitor the air filter restriction indicator, and check gauges, tires and cargo every three hours during the trip.

• ✓1% of fuel is wasted for each 10 psi of tire under-inflation
• ✓Pre-trip inspection is legally required; also perform post-trip inspections
• ✓Check gauges, tires and cargo every three hours during the trip

Reduce average speed, change gears smoothly (professional shifting improves operating costs about 30%), always use the clutch, practice progressive shifting around 1600 rpm, run in the highest gear range for a low rev range, use the retarder properly, and back off the accelerator over hilltops using gravity and momentum. Use cruise control where appropriate.

• ✓Professional smooth shifting can improve operating costs by about 30%
• ✓Always use the clutch to avoid wearing gear teeth
• ✓Practice progressive gear shifting around 1600 rpm and run in the highest gear range
• ✓Back off the accelerator over hilltops to use gravity and momentum

Idling a truck engine burns up to four litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm. Turn off the engine when stopped for any length of time to save fuel, reduce maintenance, prolong engine life, and reduce emissions. Modern engines let you downshift around 1200 rpm and upshift around 1600 rpm (rather than 2000 rpm), shifting less and saving money.

• ✓Idling burns up to four litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm
• ✓Turn off the engine when stopped for any length of time
• ✓Modern engines allow downshift ~1200 rpm and upshift ~1600 rpm

Smart fuel-efficient driving is also safe driving. Adjust to light conditions (sunglasses in bright light, slow in poor light), maintain correct seat posture for comfort/alertness/visibility, and travel at the same speed as traffic within the limit. Managing road speed keeps speed constant—generally for every 10 km/h over 90 km/h you use 10% more fuel.

• ✓For every 10 km/h over 90 km/h, fuel use increases by about 10%
• ✓Adjust driving for light conditions and maintain correct seat posture
• ✓Travel at the same speed as traffic within the speed limit

Nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada come from the road transportation sector, much from heavy-duty vehicles. Drivers can make many practical decisions to be more fuel-efficient, from vehicle specifications to behind-the-wheel techniques.

• ✓Nearly 30% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions come from road transportation
• ✓Fuel efficiency involves both vehicle specification choices and driving techniques

Choosing a flat, multi-lane highway improves fuel efficiency by 4 to 11% compared to a flat two-lane highway, as much as 18% compared to a mountainous highway, and 25 to 35% compared to a suburban route.

• ✓Flat multi-lane highway saves 4-11% versus a flat two-lane highway
• ✓Flat multi-lane highway saves as much as 18% versus a mountainous highway
• ✓Flat multi-lane highway saves 25-35% versus a suburban route

New engine designs deliver more horsepower and torque in lower rpm ranges. You can downshift at about 1200 rpm and up-shift at about 1600 rpm rather than 2000 rpm, so you shift less, save money and generate fewer emissions.

• ✓New engines allow downshifting at about 1200 rpm and up-shifting at about 1600 rpm
• ✓Shifting at lower rpm rather than 2000 rpm reduces shifting, saves money and reduces emissions

Using the proper grade and type of fuel can improve economy by up to 3%. A direct drive transmission may reduce consumption by up to 2%. Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10% can increase efficiency by 5%. Use rib tires, low rolling resistance/super single tires, lighter specifications, and accessories like block heaters and winter fronts.

• ✓Proper fuel grade/type improves economy up to 3%; direct drive transmission reduces consumption up to 2%
• ✓Reducing aerodynamic drag 10% increases fuel efficiency 5%
• ✓Use rib design tires, low rolling resistance/super single tires, and lighter specifications

Snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption 15-20%, and heavy winds significantly affect economy. Minimize weather effects by avoiding bad weather via route/time changes, adjusting speed to conditions (especially in head winds), maintaining safe following distance, and not parking a tractor-trailer on an icy grade.

• ✓Snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption by 15-20%
• ✓Reduce speed in strong head winds and adjust to conditions
• ✓Do not park a tractor-trailer on an icy grade—getting stuck wastes fuel and time

Choosing to drive a flat, multi-lane highway improves fuel efficiency compared to alternatives: 4 to 11% versus a flat two-lane highway, as much as 18% versus a mountainous highway, and 25 to 35% versus a suburban route.

• ✓A flat multi-lane highway saves 4-11% over a flat two-lane highway
• ✓It saves up to 18% over a mountainous highway and 25-35% over a suburban route