Alek Dundulis, Author at Green APU Skip to main content

What Idling Is Really Costing You Every Year

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You park for the night. The engine keeps running. Fuel keeps burning. For many drivers, idling overnight feels like just part of the job. But when you actually run the numbers, it becomes clear that idling is one of the most expensive habits in trucking. An average 8-hour rest period can burn roughly 7 to 8 gallons of diesel, depending on the truck and operating conditions. At $5.38 per gallon, that works out to about $38 to $43 every single night. Over the course of a 300-day working year, that adds up to approximately $11,000 to $13,000 in fuel costs alone, just to keep the cab comfortable while parked. And fuel is only part of the story. Idling also adds wear to your engine without adding miles. Hours accumulate faster, which can lead to more frequent oil changes, added stress on engine components, and higher maintenance costs over time. Your emissions system is affected as well, with increased DEF consumption and more regeneration cycles. These are costs many drivers do not notice day to day, but they add up quickly over the course of a year. When all of it is considered, idling is not just costing a few dollars per night. In many cases, the real annual cost lands somewhere in the range of $14,000 to $16,000 or more. That is a serious amount of money going out the door while the truck is sitting still.  

A Better Way to Run Overnight

This is where an APU changes the equation. Instead of running a full-size diesel engine just to heat or cool the cab, an APU is built to handle that job far more efficiently. A Green APU typically burns about 0.2 to 0.25 gallons of diesel per hour, which puts the nightly fuel cost for an 8-hour rest period at roughly $9 to $11. Over a 300-day year, that works out to about $2,600 to $3,200 in fuel, compared to more than $11,000 per year from idling the truck. The reduction is immediate and substantial. Once you factor in reduced engine wear, lower maintenance needs, and fewer aftertreatment-related costs, total annual savings often fall somewhere between $11,000 and $16,000. That is not from driving more miles or changing your routes. It comes simply from cutting unnecessary idle time.  

How Fast It Pays Off

One of the first questions drivers ask is how long it takes to recover the investment. Based on the current Green APU MSRP of $14,500, many drivers see payback in roughly 12 to 18 months, depending on fuel prices, idle hours, and the maintenance savings they would otherwise be losing to idling. For trucks with high idle time, the payback can happen even faster. After that, the numbers shift in your favor. Instead of spending money every night just to stay parked, you are putting those dollars back into your business year after year, while also reducing wear on your main engine.  

Why Drivers Actually Make the Switch

At the end of the day, this is not about theory. It is about what works on the road. Drivers make the switch because it simplifies ownership. Green APU systems are built with standard NAPA parts, so you are not locked into a proprietary dealer network if something needs attention. Parts are easy to source, service is more straightforward, and that means less downtime when something needs to be addressed. Support also matters. With 24/7 U.S.-based technical support, drivers can speak with someone who understands the equipment when help is needed, rather than waiting for a callback or dealing with a generic call center. Add in a 2-year unlimited-hours warranty, and it is a system designed for real-world trucking.  

More Than Just Fuel Savings

Fuel savings are a major advantage, but they are not the only one. Shutting down the main engine overnight helps reduce long-term wear, which can extend engine life and help avoid expensive repairs down the road. It also lowers the risk of unexpected breakdowns, which can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a single incident. Other benefits show up over time as well. Trucks equipped with APUs often bring stronger resale value, sometimes adding $2,000 to $4,000 or more when it is time to sell. The cab is quieter at night, which can mean better sleep and less fatigue the next day. And as anti-idle laws continue to expand in some areas, an APU can also help drivers stay compliant and avoid fines that may range from $300 to $1,500.  

The Bottom Line

Idling may seem like a small and routine part of the job, but over the course of a year, it can cost $14,000 to $16,000 or more. By comparison, a Green APU can reduce overnight fuel costs to roughly $2,600 to $3,200 per year while also lowering maintenance, engine wear, and aftertreatment expense. For many drivers, that creates total annual savings of well over $10,000. That is not a small improvement. It is a major reduction in operating cost without changing your routes, your workload, or the way you run your business.  

Where to Go From Here

If you want to see what this looks like for your own truck, the next step is simple: run your numbers. Look at your idle hours, compare your fuel usage, and calculate what those hours are really costing you. Most drivers are surprised by how quickly the savings add up once they see the real totals on paper. From there, you can connect with a local dealer, explore installation options, or review financing. Depending on term, rate, and down payment, many owner-operators find that monthly payments can fall in the range of roughly $300 to $450, which in many cases is offset by fuel savings alone.  

Stop paying to idle. Start keeping the money.

Take the first step toward cutting your fuel costs with Green APU!  

Green APU Partners with Fontaine Modification to Support Fleet Operations

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Green APU is proud to announce a new partnership with Fontaine Modification, expanding sales, installation, and upfitting options for trucking fleets across the country. Fontaine Modification is an industry respected truck modification, installer, and upfitting provider serving commercial and fleet operations nationwide. Through this partnership, Fontaine Modification ship-thru locations will offer and install Green APUs, giving fleets a more streamlined path from purchase to professional installation backed by proven performance and reliability.

 

Green APU provides dependable auxiliary power designed to reduce idle time, improve fuel efficiency, and maintain driver comfort during rest periods. Fontaine Modification’s nationwide footprint and fleet focused expertise ensure consistent installations that align with operational standards and support maximum vehicle uptime.

 

Built with simplicity and serviceability in mind, Green APUs use non-proprietary, automotive grade components to make maintenance predictable and parts easy to source. This practical design helps fleets minimize downtime, control operating costs, and maintain consistent performance across their operations.

 

Ship-Thru Locations:

Charlotte & Statesville, NC – Freightliner

Laredo, TX – Freightliner & International

Dublin, VA – Volvo & Mack

Chillicothe – Kenworth

Denton & Garland, TX – Peterbilt & Kenworth

Mineral Wells, WV – Hino & Isuzu

Salem, VA – Mack

The True Cost of Idling: Fuel, Engine Wear, and Lost Profits

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Every trucker knows idling is part of life on the road. Whether you are trying to stay comfortable in different weather climates or powering electronics in the cab, leaving the engine running often feels like the easiest solution. But this convenience comes at a steep cost.

Every hour of idling drains fuel, wears your engine, and chips away at your profits. That is why more fleets and owner-operators are turning to auxiliary power units (APUs), and why Green APU is leading the charge in protecting both your wallet and your engine.

 

The Hefty Fuel Cost of Idling

The fuel cost of idling alone is enough to make any trucker reconsider purchasing an APU. A typical Class 8 truck consumes at least a gallon of diesel for every hour that it spends idling. For example, over the course of a 10-hour rest period, that can mean around $36 to $37 dollars daily in fuel costs from idling according to the national average diesel price. Over the span of a year, the total wasted fuel can easily surpass $10,000. That is real money vanishing hour by hour, tank by tank.

Green APU was built to put an end to that fuel loss. Our APU units allow truckers to power what they need without running the main engine, meaning thousands of dollars saved annually. Designed with truckers in mind and built on real-world experience, Green APU is a smart investment that pays for itself quickly, often within just 12–18 months.

 

The Hidden Toll on Engines

Fuel waste is only half the story. Every hour a truck idles also adds to the wear and tear of the engine. Prolonged idling can lead to clogged DPF systems, shortened service intervals, and an increased risk of unplanned downtime. Over time, these factors can increasingly reduce the life of an engine and hurt potential resale value on your truck. For an owner-operator or a fleet, that’s not only money lost that day, but also years down the road.

Green APU addresses this issue by shifting the load away from the truck’s primary engine. Each unit is powered by a Kubota three-cylinder diesel engine, which is recognized industry-wide for exceptional reliability and long-lasting performance. By letting the APU shoulder some of the burden, drivers can protect their main engine, prolong its lifespan, and avoid any unnecessary maintenance costs that may come your way.

 

Downtime and Lost Profits

Beyond fuel and mechanical costs, idling also contributes to downtime. Frequent maintenance and surprise repairs mean your truck sits idle in a shop, losing money instead of making it. For fleets and independent drivers alike, those hours translate directly into lost savings and profits.

Green APU was designed with this reality in mind. Unlike other units that rely on proprietary parts and limited options for service, our APUs use automotive-standard components available nationwide from retailers such as NAPA and AutoZone. With a network of over 40+ distributors, 50 service centers, and 24/7 lifetime support, downtime is cut short, keeping drivers earning instead of waiting.

 

Protecting the Wallet and the Engine

When you step back and look at the big picture, the numbers tell a simple story. For example, idling your truck for 10 hours a day for 300 days wastes about 3,000 gallons of diesel, costing more than $10,000 a year at typical U.S. diesel prices. A Green APU, on the other hand, quickly pays for itself and continues generating savings while also extending engine life and reducing its wear and tear. That is why our mission is simple: keep trucks running, costs down, and businesses profitable.

 

Green APU: Built by Truckers, for Truckers

Green APU was founded out of firsthand experience. Our founder, Art Gruszka, managed a fleet of 120 trucks and clearly saw the shortcomings of traditional APUs: complex service needs, reliability issues, and high costs. Green APU was born to solve those problems with a product proudly manufactured in the USA, engineered for durability, and backed by a two-year, unlimited-hour warranty.

At the end of the day, idling drains more than fuel. It wears down your equipment, cuts into your profits, and adds unnecessary stress to the job. Green APU offers a smarter path forward: comfort, saving, and a longer-lasting truck.

Stop wasting. Start saving.
Discover how Green APU can protect your bottom line!

Why Green APU is the Smarter Choice for Truckers

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Every mile you drive is money earned and every minute your truck is idling is money wasted. Your Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) should save you fuel, reduce wear on your main engine, and keep you comfortable on the road without draining your wallet. That is what Green APU delivers and why so many drivers are switching from the competition.

Save Big on Fuel Costs

Idling your main engine for heat, air conditioning, or power can burn a gallon of diesel every hour. Over a year that can mean thousands of dollars in wasted fuel. Green APU is built to give you the power you need while using a fraction of the fuel. Many drivers see the unit pay for itself in savings within the first year.

Lower Service Needs and Downtime

The longer your truck is in the shop the less money you are making. We designed Green APU to be tough, dependable, and easy to maintain. With fewer moving parts and a smart layout, service times are shorter, and breakdowns are less frequent which keeps you on the road where you belong.

Freedom with Non-Proprietary Parts

Other APUs lock you into expensive repairs with parts that are hard to find. Green APU uses an automotive approach with parts being easily accessible nationwide. That means that you’re not stuck waiting for special orders and repairs cost less and get done faster.

Built for Every State Including California

Some states like California have strict anti-idling and emission laws. Our Tier 4 Carb compliant engine means you can roll into California, run your APU, and stay compliant without worrying about tickets or downtime.

The Bottom Line

Green APU is built for drivers who want to save money, stay on the road, and avoid unnecessary hassles. With fuel savings, lower service needs, and the freedom to repair anywhere, it’s the smart choice over the competition.

Beat the February Cold with Green APU

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Winter trucking is a challenge, but Green APU is here to keep you moving efficiently, no matter how low the temperature drops. From keeping your cab warm to ensuring your engine starts smoothly every morning, here’s how Green APU helps you conquer the cold.

1. Stay Warm Without a Bunk Heater

Many truckers rely on bunk heaters, but they can be unreliable and difficult to regulate. With Green APU, you get consistent and comfortable heat that’s easy to control, ensuring a restful night without the hassle of extra equipment. Stay warm and comfortable, no matter how cold it gets outside.

2. Keep Your Batteries Charged and Ready

Winter weather can drain your truck’s battery faster than usual, leading to frustrating breakdowns and costly road service calls. Green APU continuously charges your batteries, preventing dead batteries and eliminating the need for emergency jump-starts. This means more reliability and fewer interruptions to your schedule.

3. Engine Preheat for Reliable Cold-Weather Starts

A frozen engine can leave you stranded and cost valuable time. Green APU’s engine preheat feature ensures your truck is always ready to start, even on the coldest mornings. By maintaining a warmer engine temperature, you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear while keeping your truck running efficiently.

Why Choose Green APU?

More Comfort: No bunk heater required, just reliable, easily controlled warmth.

More Reliability: Battery charging prevents roadside breakdowns and emergency calls.

More Efficiency: Engine preheat ensures smooth starts, reducing engine wear in freezing conditions.

Stay ahead of the cold this February with Green APU. Visit GreenAPU.com to learn more and stay warm on the road!

6 Great Things to Know About the Green APU for Fall & Winter

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Every experienced trucker knows that life on the road isn’t always easy. This is especially true as the colder months of Fall and Winter approach.

The goal of everyone at Green APU is to help our hard-working customers stay as comfortable, and productive as possible when temperatures start to drop. In this blog, let’s look at 6 great ways the Green APU can help make the time spent in your truck more worry-free.

Automatic Climate Control

Enjoy comfortable temperatures all year long with Green APU’s automatic temperature control. You’ll never have to worry about manually adjusting the thermostat inside the truck, as the unit goes from A/C to heat based on the outside temperature.

Of course, you can still change the temperature of the truck’s cab via a switch conveniently mounted near the lower bunk.

Engine Pre Heat

Even today’s advanced diesel fuels will gum up if the outside temperature gets too cold. Green APU makes it easy to run your rig anytime day, or night with our engine pre-heat feature.

The Green APU will warm your truck’s engine should temperatures drop to 32F or below. As Mother Nature’s Fall and Winter winds begin to whip about, you’ll be prepared for anything.

Save Time & Money on DPF Maintenance

As cooler weather arrives, you don’t want to worry about your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) wearing out prematurely. The Green APU provides all the power you’ll need inside the cab, so you don’t have to waste fuel, or overwork your DPF by idling your engine for hours at a time.

Our unit also helps save money by extending the life of your DPF and decreasing the frequency of regeneration or replacement services.

Battery Charger

Dead or weak batteries won’t start big rigs. Never fear with Green APU on board! Our built-in charger will keep your batteries at full power 24/7. It’s also worry-free, as the unit automatically monitors battery levels, so you can focus on more important things.

Whether you have new batteries, or trying to get more miles out of older ones, Green APU is ready to keep them charged at top capacity.

Super Easy Parts Availability

In the unlikely event your Green APU needs a belt or a simple part, we utilize many off-the-shelf components, readily available at any auto parts store.

With Green APU, you don’t have to worry about waiting for a part to be shipped. We make it easy to get into a parts store, and get back on the road!

Convenient Distribution Centers

Enjoy peace of mind by knowing there are many authorized Green APU Distribution Centers located throughout the U.S. These facilities offer a wide range of Green APU sales, repair, and maintenance services, and are ready to help when you need it.

To locate an authorized Distribution Center, click here!

No Matter Where the Road May Lead, Green APU has You Covered!

When Summer starts to fade away, and the cooler temperatures of Fall and Winter come, you can count on Green APU to keep you comfortable during your downtime.

Whether it be our automatic climate control, engine pre-heat, battery charging, easy access to parts, or convenient Distribution Center locations, Green APU is your long-term, reliable partner on the road.

We will always be here when you need us! Contact us today to learn more.

 

2024 Trucker Appreciation Week is Here!

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Green APU Loves Our Truckers

Save $1000 Off MSRP on Your Installation!

In honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Green APU is thrilled to offer a special once-a-year $1,000 discount off MSRP on our auxiliary power units to show our gratitude for the hard work and dedication of truck drivers.

To take advantage of this offer, book your installation between September 15-21, 2024. Installation doesn’t need to be completed this week but must be completed within 90 days of scheduling, only at our Lemont IL location.

 

Other Great Trucker Week Giveaways:

  • RaceTrac (https://www.racetrac.com/Promotions/TruckDriverAppreciation)
    • Pro Drivers earn 2x rewards all September
    • Freebies
      • Free Celsius
      • Free Coffee Per Week
      • September 4th-September 8th: Nathan’s Hot Dog
      • September 9th-September 15th: Pizza Slice
      • September 16th-September 22nd: Classic Breakfast Sandwich
  • Love’s Travel Stops (https://www.loves.com/truckdriverappreciation)
    • September 1-7, 2024. Buy 1 Roller Grill Item, Get 1 Roller Grill Item Free.
    • September 8-14, 2024. Save $3.00 on a 52oz Love’s Mug.
    • September 15-21, 2024. Buy 1 Love’s Taco, Get 1 Love’s Taco Free.
    • September 22-28, 2024. $2 off Chicken Drumsticks.

 

6 Reasons Your Employees Will Love Green APU

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There’s an adage in business that if you keep employees happy, they will keep your customers happy. This is certainly true in the ultra-competitive trucking industry.

The truckers who drive for you are brand ambassadors – the face of your company. They are the people that customers see every day. It makes good business sense to help your team enjoy their careers, so they will do their best to make your company successful.

One of the most critical elements of job satisfaction for over-the-road truckers is comfort and convenience during off hours. While working, they also want reliable equipment that will perform well day after day.

When you invest in a Green APU for your trucks, you’ll be making your employees’ jobs easier, and certainly more comfortable, mile after mile.

Let’s look at 6 great reasons why your team will appreciate you for having Green APUs in their rigs.

Comfort & Convenience
Everyone knows it’s not easy being an over-the-road trucker. When your employees’ shifts are done for the day, they deserve some quality relaxation. The Green APU provides your drivers with everything they need to enjoy the comforts of home, including plenty of power for heat, air conditioning, and indoor lighting.

Whether they are using the microwave to heat a meal, watching TV, charging a cell phone, using a laptop, or doing all these things at the same time, the Green APU will generate all the electric power they want to enjoy their off hours.

Making Their Job Easier   
In addition to the creature comforts of home Green APU provides, it can also make your drivers’ jobs a little easier. Our built-in engine preheat will ensure easy start-ups on cold winter mornings.

Green APU’s battery monitoring function also keeps the truck’s batteries at full charge, so your drivers never have to worry about a dead, or undercharged battery when it’s time to hit the road.

Authorized Distribution Centers
On the road, convenience is everything. We have authorized Distribution Centers across the nation that can help your drivers with any sales, service, or parts they need to keep their Green APUs running strong 24/7.

Parts Available Everywhere
If they can’t get to a Distribution Center right away, your drivers will love that nearly all components for their Green APU are available nationwide at any auto parts store.  

Lifetime 24/7 Technical Support
Green APU offers lifetime, 24/7 technical support. Should your drivers need to ask a question, or require assistance to resolve an issue, our team is ready to help day or night!

New Quieter Exhaust System    
Green APU’s newly designed, expanded air filter and exhaust extension reduces noise levels by an average of 30%, and will appear on all new Green APU units. An easy-to-install, bolt-on upgrade kit is available for units already in service.

Green APU – A Win-Win for Everyone!   
We know every good trucking company wants to treat their drivers well, as they are the backbone of the business. As an owner, Green APU brings so many benefits to your company, including substantial fuel savings.

Your drivers will appreciate that you care enough about their comfort and convenience to invest in a Green APU. To learn more about how you can keep your drivers happy as they haul freight down the highways, contact us today!

Three Great Ways Green APU Positively Impacts the Environment

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April 22nd is Earth Day. Started in 1970, the annual celebration brings millions of people from 193 nations together to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.

Everyone at Green APU is committed to making the world a cleaner place for us all to enjoy. In this blog, let’s look at four distinct ways Green APU has had a positive impact on the environment.

 

Fuel Savings

When it comes to fuel savings, Green APU leads the industry in being Earth-friendly. Historically, truck drivers have idled their diesel engines during off time to power the cab’s heat, cooling, and electricity.

According to the EPA, the typical diesel truck burns over a gallon of fuel for every hour the vehicle idles. That’s 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week, and 2,000 hours annually.

The Green APU on the other hand, consumes just over ¼ of a gallon per hour. Not only is this 75% decrease in consumption significant in fuel cost savings, but also in the reduction of emissions being released into the atmosphere.

 

Extending the Life of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

Every diesel truck manufactured since 2007 has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), designed to reduce the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere.

As more fuel is consumed, the DPF must work harder to trap pollutants. Eventually, DPFs must be replaced, as they get clogged and lose their effectiveness.

Green APU will extend the use of your DPF by reducing the number of pollutants it must trap over its service life. Longer-lasting DPFs reduce the number of replacement units that must be manufactured, which cuts down on scrap, waste, and landfill usage during the production process.

 

Battery Service Life

A truck’s batteries are critical to its operation. In extremely hot or wintry weather, batteries can wear down, decreasing their service life. Keeping a truck’s batteries charged will not only optimize their performance, but also extend longevity.

In addition to powering the heat, A/C, and electricity for your truck while not on the road, the Green APU also keeps your batteries fully charged. This will do wonders for getting more years of reliable service from them.

 

Celebrating Earth Day – The Green APU Way

From our first day in business, we have been committed to manufacturing the best APU the industry has to offer. We take great pride that thousands of our fuel-efficient, reliable, and tough-as-nails APUs are in service each day across the U.S. and North America.

As another Earth Day approaches, every driver with a Green APU on board their truck can feel proud they are doing their part to make the world a little greener.

 

Happy Earth Day!

Rally in the 100 Acre Wood Salem & Potosi, Missouri, March 15th & 16th 2024

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Let’s check in with Green APU Rally USA Racing driver Patrick Gruszka about his latest run at Rally in the 100 Acre Wood.

 

Tell Us About the Race

“This race is really known for its water crossings, but this year, everything dried up. That made the experience a lot different. This was the 2nd year at this event with the Hyundai i20 car.”

 

How Did It Go for the Green APU Rally USA Team?

“We placed 4th, right behind Travis Pastrana, and got 1st place in RC2.”

 

What Was Different About This Race Compared to Others?

“As I mentioned, this event is famous for its water crossings, but not this year. Even the large crossing dried up. Hopefully, the water will be back next year!”

 

What Challenges Came Up?

“The car has boost issues, which hindered our performance. We also hit some large rocks, which is never good.”

 

Are You Pleased with the Outcome?

“We were in our own zone, with Travis Pastrana 5 minutes ahead of us, and the guy behind us at 2 minutes. We had a solid finish, so I’m happy with the results.”

 

Anything You Want to Improve or Change?

“This was our first event in the Hyundai i20 this year, so there’s plenty of room for improvement, which will come with more driving time.”

 

What Lessons Did You Take Away from This Race?

“We learned the hard way that large rocks break things and cause flat tires! This was my first race where I had to drive on a flat to finish the stage. The right front blew out and I was riding on the wheel. It wasn’t fun, but it gave me some practice with driving at speed with a flat, and tire changes!”