What Does the 2024 NACFE Fuel Study Reveal About Tire Health and Fuel Efficiency?

The 2024 Fleet Fuel Study by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) delivers data-rich, insightful analysis into how top fleets are adopting fuel-saving technologies—and seeing measurable returns. While the study tracks the adoption of 86 different technologies, one truth remains clear: foundational contributors like tires and tire pressure continue to play an outsized role in operational efficiency. At Aperia Technologies, we see this as a call to action for fleets to prioritize tire health as a pillar of any fuel-efficiency strategy.

A Decade of Progress, Powered by Technology

The NACFE study provides a 20-year view of how fleets have adopted efficiency technologies and practices. One of the headline stats: Fleets improved fuel economy from an average of 6.67 MPG in 2013 to 7.77 MPG in 2023—a 16% gain. Higher adoption of technologies directly correlates with better MPG, with fleets in the top quartile achieving consistently superior results​.

But what makes up these gains? It’s not just headline-grabbing engine innovations or futuristic truck designs. Fuel economy is often won or lost at the point of contact with the road—your tires.

Tires: The Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency

Tires and wheels are among the most foundational technologies tracked in the study. As Fleets aim to squeeze more efficiency out of every mile, the report underscores that incremental gains from low rolling resistance tires and optimal inflation become increasingly critical.

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy by up to 1% for every 10 psi of underinflation. The increased risk of blowouts, uneven wear, and downtime, quickly compounds the cost of ignoring tire health.

In 2022 alone, fleets saved an average of $6,831 per truck due to better-than-average MPG. Even a fraction of that tied to improved tire performance is significant across thousands of vehicles​.

Managing Tire Health in Real Time

At Aperia, we’ve long recognized that keeping tires at optimal pressure is not a once-a-week task—it’s a real-time responsibility. That’s where Halo Tire Management comes in. Designed to automate tire inflation and provide actionable insights into tire health, the Halo Tire Management platform supports fleets in maintaining ideal pressure, reducing rolling resistance, and extending tire life—all while helping drivers stay safe and focused on the road.

What NACFE’s data makes clear is that no single technology delivers all the savings. Instead, fleets that invest in complementary systems—tires, aerodynamics, engine optimization, and more—see the biggest fuel economy gains. Halo helps fill a key piece of that puzzle, quietly but critically improving performance mile after mile.

A New Baseline for Efficiency

As decarbonization efforts ramp up and regulations tighten, NACFE warns that resources across the industry may become stretched. That means smart, ROI-positive decisions are more important than ever. Tire health isn’t just low-hanging fruit—it’s the foundation for operational reliability and fuel savings.

At Aperia Technologies, we’re proud to partner with the industry’s most forward-looking fleets, helping them turn tire pressure from an afterthought into a strategic advantage.

Final Thought: Fuel efficiency starts at the ground level—literally. As the NACFE study makes clear, healthy tires are not optional. They’re essential.

Let’s make every mile count.