This was a piece Terry O'Connell wrote and research for the FedEx Custom Critical Newsletter and then I added a little of my research to the bottom. I thought this was very good information and something to think about.
Deer and Moose Guards on Straight Trucks
This topic is the result of a recent question by a DR contractor. This contractor was under the impression that a grill guard, which is commonly called a deer or moose guard, was a safety feature that is exempt from vehicle length limitations. The simple answer is found in the Federal Highway Administration Regulations in 23 CFR Part 658 and in Appendix D of Part 658. A grill guard is NOT listed as an exempt device that allows a CMV to exceed length limitations set by each State government. FedEx Custom Critical has determined that a straight truck leased to FCC my not exceed 40 feet in length. The reason for this length is determined by our 49 State operations area in which twenty nine of the States and the District of Columbia have 40 feet maximums.
While we’re on the subject, let’s discuss some pros and cons of the grill guard on a length compliant CMV. A good grill guard could protect the vehicle from significant damage during a deer strike and allow the truck to continue down the road. Without a grill guard, a head-on deer strike, or worse yet a moose or elk, can cause significant damage to a truck. Insurance deductibles are the least of expenses. Hotel, meals, transportation home, downtime during repairs, loss of revenue but continuation of vehicle and lifestyle payments can quickly deplete a maintenance or contingency fund.
Weighing less than 100 pounds to over 800 pounds, a grill guard can overburden the steer axle on a typically configured expediter straight truck. Fuel consumption should be a consideration because a loss of as much as 1.5 MPG on a class 8 truck has been reported by listeners to a trucking show radio personality. The loss of only ¼ MPG could add over $500 in annual fuel costs for a typical expediter.
I asked an engineer at Freightliner about fuel milage and grill guards and they have found in their wind tunnels with a aerodynamic truck the addition of a grill guard that is large can reduce fuel mileage by 6% for a small guard up to 2.4% with a large grill guard.
Deer and Moose Guards on Straight Trucks
This topic is the result of a recent question by a DR contractor. This contractor was under the impression that a grill guard, which is commonly called a deer or moose guard, was a safety feature that is exempt from vehicle length limitations. The simple answer is found in the Federal Highway Administration Regulations in 23 CFR Part 658 and in Appendix D of Part 658. A grill guard is NOT listed as an exempt device that allows a CMV to exceed length limitations set by each State government. FedEx Custom Critical has determined that a straight truck leased to FCC my not exceed 40 feet in length. The reason for this length is determined by our 49 State operations area in which twenty nine of the States and the District of Columbia have 40 feet maximums.
While we’re on the subject, let’s discuss some pros and cons of the grill guard on a length compliant CMV. A good grill guard could protect the vehicle from significant damage during a deer strike and allow the truck to continue down the road. Without a grill guard, a head-on deer strike, or worse yet a moose or elk, can cause significant damage to a truck. Insurance deductibles are the least of expenses. Hotel, meals, transportation home, downtime during repairs, loss of revenue but continuation of vehicle and lifestyle payments can quickly deplete a maintenance or contingency fund.
Weighing less than 100 pounds to over 800 pounds, a grill guard can overburden the steer axle on a typically configured expediter straight truck. Fuel consumption should be a consideration because a loss of as much as 1.5 MPG on a class 8 truck has been reported by listeners to a trucking show radio personality. The loss of only ¼ MPG could add over $500 in annual fuel costs for a typical expediter.
I asked an engineer at Freightliner about fuel milage and grill guards and they have found in their wind tunnels with a aerodynamic truck the addition of a grill guard that is large can reduce fuel mileage by 6% for a small guard up to 2.4% with a large grill guard.
