Hello,

Several months ago, I was asked to be part of a fuel economy test project with Freightliner and Detroit which would be scheduled sometime in May of 2012. Of course, being the fuel mileage conscious person I am, this seemed like a great opportunity in which to participate. For me, this would be an experience like no other and the chance to interact with the highly skilled engineers of Freightliner and Detroit.  The tour date was set for the week of May 17-22, 2012. This would be a six day cross country test project launching from San Diego, CA to Gastonia, NC. I was told there would be two additional drivers, myself, six engineers, two technicians, test observer and an on site fuel truck to offer consistent fuel for the entire trip in order for nothing to affect fuel mileage results in any way.I first thought to myself six days is quite a long time to just travel across the country. However, I realized quickly that much more goes into conducting an “official test” than just driving the truck.



My job is to drive the new 2014 Cascadia Evolution with additional enhancements. (A fully designed aerodynamic modified trailer and new Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission with wide base tires and a 6×2 drive-train configuration). This truck and trailer combination represents an updated  version of my current 2011 Cascadia w/trailer. The tour would be a side by side comparison of an EPA 2010 compliant Freightliner Cascadia and the new 2014 Cascadia Evolution – The tour would put the latest technologies and innovations to the test in real world situations. My fellow drivers Leanna and Jeremy drove the two trucks for this test purpose. To further ensure consistency, drivers and trailers were swapped between tractors at the mid-point and end of each day. Following precise testing procedures would ensure the integrity and accuracy of the test.

I flew from Charlotte, NC to San Diego, CA on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Participants arrived at the hotel in the afternoon for a meet and greet reception  which was held in the evening. After dinner, preparations and specific instructions were given to all participants for a smooth departure and launch to take place the next morning. For the next six days, we will travel  over 2,400 miles at a cruise speed of 62 m.p.h. and each truck/trailer combo will have a gross weight of 76,000 lbs.  



Tomorrow, I’ll post Day 1 of the trip along with fuel mileage results.

 Henry 

Comments (6)

Henry Albert

Henry Albert is the owner of Albert Transport, Inc., based in Statesville, NC. Before participating in the "Slice of Life" program, Albert drove a 2001 Freightliner Century Class S/T™, and will use his Cascadia for general freight and a dry van trailer. Albert, who has been a trucker since 1983, was recognized by Overdrive as its 2007 Trucker of the Year.

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Henry that was an awesome trip and I am glad you shared the highlights!

August 02, 2012 12:50:55 PM

GATS will be here before we know it. Looking forward to seeing .everyone there

July 27, 2012 16:59:58 PM

Great experience! Nice truck.

July 26, 2012 17:53:30 PM

This trip was a real eye opener and I will be posting more of the details soon

July 26, 2012 15:40:23 PM

Nice rig, very impressive aerodynamic design.

July 26, 2012 10:56:37 AM

Henry, we saw the video of this trip last week ... very impressive! See you at GATS ... Run SMART!).

July 25, 2012 17:16:29 PM