Auxiliary Power Units, a Great Tool for Driver Retention

Any truck driving company knows that the truck driver turn-over rate is always high. So naturally, fleet owners are always looking for new ways to keep drivers longer. For soure higher pay and great benefits help, but it doesn’t solve one of the key issues of driver comfort, and the peace of mind of a dependable vehicle. A way to help with this is an auxiliary power unit for semi trucks, or APU.

A truck APU offers various benefits:

  • Reduced engine wear
  • Fuel savings
  • Reduced emissions
  • Compliance with no idle laws
  • Increased driver comfort during rest periods = increased driver retention
  • High return on investment

What is an APU?

An APU unit offers electricity (heater, ac etc.) without having to run the vehicle. Some run on diesel, while others are powered by electricity as well and need shore power. They are sometimes available factory-installed (e.g. Navistar, Freightliner, Mack, and Volvo) or can be added after purchase..

A green APU ranges from $8,000 – $10,000, but the return investments are high, and the benefits undeniable. Not only does using a truck APU reduce engine wear and fuel consumption, but it helps reduce driver turn-over by greatly increasing comfort. This saves you from the time and money for recruitment, hiring, and training, and helps you to build a strong loyal team of drivers.

APUs, a great alternative to idling

The term “Idling” for diesel truck engines refers to when the truck is not moving, but it is still running, consuming fuel and giving off emissions. With no-idling laws becoming more commonplace, investing in a truck apu will save you a lot of trouble.

APU units give drivers an alternative to idling without having to sacrifice their comfort, while also combating negative effects of idling, like reducing engine wear, fuel consumption, and emissions. No-idling laws were put in place to cut emissions and reduce noise, and can carry fines from the $50-$500 range, however, penalties can reach $25,000 and one-year in prison! These fines not only affect drivers, but property owners can even be fined for allowing idling on their property. APU units help to avoid all of the fines and stresses involved with idling.

Last but not least, reducing idling with a green APU helps you save money on fuel. Though diesel prices are low now, they are rising and it is not expected that they will drop any time soon. Proactively getting a truck APU helps you save money now, and in the future. As well, fuel savings can help smaller fleets stay afloat in a competitive market.

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