Randy Sauder is from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania which is where I grew up. I have been following his journey into the world of fuel efficiency. I think many people can learn from his story and I've asked him to share his thoughts with you. Hope you enjoy following Randy's journey as a successful small business trucker.
I first met Henry Albert when Kenton Good of Lancaster Freightliner introduced me to him at a Make-A-Wish Truck Convoy event in Lancaster County. I was going to be ordering a new truck and Kenton, trying to sell me on the new Freightliner Cascadia, introduced me to this guy who was driving one. While discussing aerodynamics and fuel economy, I commented that I can’t change much because I’m pulling a live bottom (walking floor trailer). Henry commented, “So what?” From that point on, the wheels in my mind started turning.
I grew up and live in Lancaster County. This is 379 Peterbilt Country. Owner/Operators around here tend to value large, traditional style trucks with lots of power. So switching from a traditional styled truck to a Cascadia was rather a big challenge. The groundwork for my switch had been laid early. I was one of the early adopters of single-wide tires. And I made sure that my trucks were specified for
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Randy's ground breaking Cascadia hooked to his innovative AERO live bottom trailer. |
maximum fuel economy. After much consideration, my wife and I decided that the Freightliner Cascadia was the best buy from our financial and business standpoint. April 2011 I purchased a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia with a 10-speed transmission and 3:41 rears. I kept the visor for looks.
The toughest thing about switching truck style was switching mindsets. I knew, mentally, that switching to a Freightliner Cascadia would be good for my bottom line. Many of my fellow drivers, however, were very critical of this switch, partly because they did not think it would work in our segment of the industry, and partly because of their preference for the look of a traditional styled truck. Once I got past that mental hurdle though, I was able to go ahead and do what was best for my business. It has been difficult, at times, dealing with the disdain from other drivers, however I know that this was the best decision for our family. I am now on my second Cascadia, a 10 speed with 3:21 rears with a dead axle on the drives. This time I dropped the visor and fully embraced the aerodynamics. I’ve traded my enjoyment of polishing chrome for the enjoyment of seeking to maximize my fuel economy and spending time with my family away from the truck.
As I pursued improved fuel mileage, I was pleased with my increased miles per gallon. With my Freightliner Classic XL, I averaged 5 mpg. I enjoyed the increase to 6.5 mpg with my first Freightliner Cascadia. For 2015, with my 2012 Cascadia, I averaged 7.33 mpg. I continue to dream of hitting an average of 8 mpg.
In the years that followed the purchase of my first Cascadia, I continued to run into Henry Albert at trucking events and conventions. I have learned much from him about aerodynamics and fuel economy and sound business practices. In addition to specifying my truck for maximum fuel economy, I started
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Randy Sauder |
working on my trailer. I am one of the few drivers hauling dry bulk with trailer skirting and a tail wing. I continue to make modifications to my equipment to maximize my fuel economy despite driving in a segment of the industry where these things are not valued. And I continue to appreciate my conversations with Henry and all of his valuable input into my life and business.
~Randy Sauder lives in Denver, PA with his wife, Karen, and their 6 children. In addition to saving fuel, he enjoys camping with his family and riding his road bike. He will be participating in the K2K2016 Ride for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults this April.