With nearly 13 years of experience as an owner operator, Jerry Parm knows a good truck deal when he sees it. He’s the proud owner and driver of an Eco Tractor 2012 Volvo 630 – a cutting-edge truck designed to make him the highest possible profit.* The efficiency of his truck proves that green technology can be as good for your pocket book as it is for the environment.
For Parm, the key to extra green in his pocket is exceptional fuel economy and low maintenance cost. Jerry reports that he runs most of his loads in the 8 mile per gallon range, with an average of 7.5 mpg since the truck was new, idling time included.
The Volvo is the fourth truck he has owned during his years as an owner operator. “Compared to my other trucks, this one gets by far the best fuel economy,” he says. “It does better on a bad day than any of my old trucks did on a good day. I’m tickled pink.”
The tractor is super efficient while rolling down the road, thanks to the economical Volvo D-11 engine, 12-speed fully automatic transmission (it keeps the engine running in its sweet spot), and super single tires that reduce rolling resistance.
“Fuel is an owner operator’s major expense,” Parm explains, saying that an owner operator’s choice of tractors and his driving technique are the most important aspects to being profitable.
He describes his driving technique as being a defensive driver, anticipating problems way ahead on the road. He’s also slow to start out from a stop sign, letting the engine and transmission get him up to speed. “I’m a progressive shifter from way back,” he says, “but this transmission does the progressive shifting for me. Don’t push it – just let it do what it was designed to do.”
The result brings a big smile to his face. Jerry credits his Volvo’s fuel economy with making him very profitable. In his best month last fall, he cleared nearly $6,000 after expenses. This truck is fuel-efficient even when it’s not running. Parm idles his truck hardly at all during the winter, thanks to the Webasto heater. It keeps him snug and warm all night while burning less than a gallon of fuel.
But that’s not all. This truck is loaded with features that make it profitable, comfortable, and safe.
• Volvo engine brake
• Mobileye technology to avoid crashes
• Aluminum wheels for weight savings and sharp appearance
• Super-single tires for less rolling resistance, less weight, and lower replacement cost (a super-single tire costs about 10% less than the pair of regular tires it replaces)
• Monthly payments that get cheaper over time
Low ownership cost makes it a great buy
The Volvo 630* Eco Tractor starts out costing hundreds of dollars less per month than a similar truck purchased off a dealer’s lot. Even though you expect a new truck payment to be higher than a used truck payment, it is surprising that the cost to own an Eco Tractor can actually be lower than a 5-7 year-old truck.
Reasons: fuel savings alone can make about half of this new truck’s payments. And budgeted maintenance costs are two cents less per mile. At 10,000 miles per month, that’s worth $200 a month in additional savings just from maintenance.
* Trucks and financing available through participating Advantage Profit Builder vendors.