P.A.M. Transportation Services is taking delivery of 550 new Peterbilt Model 579 trucks factory-installed with FlowBelow Tractor AeroKits, the aftermarket supplier said.
The kits, designed to improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, feature quick-release wheel covers and a pair of tandem fairings that work together to reduce turbulence and drag around the exposed rear wheels of the tractor, FlowBelow said.
“We believe that our pursuit of fuel efficiency is a necessity and that reducing costs is always a priority. We have a program called ‘Mission MPG,’ which has helped us save an estimated $3.5 Million in fuel,” said Dan Cushman, CEO of P.A.M., a truckload carrier based in Arkansas.
During 2017, P.A.M. began testing FlowBelow products with five trucks, later expanding to 200 trucks. After about a year of testing, the 100 trucks with the product demonstrated a 2.2% average fuel savings, compared with the 100 trucks without the product.
Paul Pettit, vice president of maintenance at P.A.M., said the 200-truck test “confirmed the savings as well as the durability.” Receiving the new trucks with the FlowBelow product already installed, is “saving us time and money,” he added.
P.A.M.’s tractors and trailers are equipped with FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit Systems, auxiliary power units, fuel tank fairings, low rolling resistance tires, trailer side skirts and automatic tire pressure systems.