Truck Platooning Technology Achieves 12% Fuel Savings in Multi-flota Trial

Truck Platooning Fuel Savings Results

A major multi-flota platooning trial conducted over 12 months has demonstrated an average fuel savings of 12% for following trucks and 5% for lead trucks in a two-truck platoon configuration. The trial, organized by the American Trucking Associations' Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC), involved 100 trucks from J.B. Hunt, Knight-Swift, and Schneider National.

Technology Description

Truck platooning uses cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to maintain precise following distances between two or more trucks traveling in the same direction. The lead truck broadcasts its speed, acceleration, and braking data to following trucks via Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) at 10 Hz. Following trucks maintain a gap of approximately 40 to 60 feet, creating an aerodynamic drafting effect.

Technology Providers

Three platooning technology providers participated in the trial. Locomation provided a Level 2 system that requires attentive drivers in both trucks but automates steering and speed control for the following vehicle. Peloton Technology (now part of Continental) provided a Level 1 system focused on longitudinal control only. Torc Robotics (a Daimler subsidiary) provided a Level 4-capable system that operated the following truck autonomously during highway platooning segments.

Regulatory Considerations

Despite the positive results, regulatory challenges remain. Several states still have minimum following distance laws that effectively prohibit close-following platoons, and insurance companies have not yet developed standardized policies for platooning operations.