Hear a dedicated truck driver describe how he achieves 10 miles per gallon with his Freightliner.

      Overdrive via YouTube

      The top car news and reviews, no nonsense

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to your inbox every weekday.

      Some individuals are lucky enough to pursue their passion as a career. I consider myself among that group. However, after hearing John Penn discuss his 2019 Freightliner Cascadia, I can’t help but think he’s operating on a different level than me. Penn is so dedicated to freight delivery that he won Overdrive’s 2025 Trucker of the Year award, and it's a pleasure to listen to him share the strategies he employs to achieve remarkable fuel economy with his truck.

      Penn operates JP Transport out of Orleans, Indiana, primarily transporting furniture to retailers throughout the southwestern states, from Texas to California. In a recent video interview with Overdrive, he mentioned that he averages 10.46 miles per gallon over 216,000 miles with this particular truck. While that might not seem impressive if you're used to a Prius, it's outstanding for a semi.

      It’s important to note that various factors contribute to why some trucks achieve double-digit fuel economy while others only manage six or seven mpg. A key advantage for Penn is his consistent setup, which is more aerodynamic than many other trucks on the road. He stated in the video that he has made several modifications to his box trailer since acquiring it in 2015, including adding a Transtex Edge Elite Aero kit, which is estimated to save 12 gallons for every 1,000 miles.

      The goal is to ensure the setup is as aerodynamic as possible, which is why the only modification he made to the truck itself was removing the hood mirrors. Overdrive via YouTube

      A lot goes into aerodynamics, as Penn elaborates. He mentioned that he observes the rain spray under the trailer to gauge airflow. Dirty air is the adversary, and nearly every adjustment he has made aims to combat that. From trimming the mud flaps for improved streamlining to relocating his license plate to the trailer’s bumper, Penn doesn't believe any of the changes are too minor. Even with a powerful 455-horsepower Detroit DD15 engine, he is committed to taking steps to protect it.

      “The easier this truck can pull a trailer down the road, the longer it’s going to last,” Penn remarked. “You can take that from the engine, the transmission, the rear end—even the tires. Everything that rolls easily will have a longer lifespan.”

      Penn’s driving style is also centered on maximizing efficiency. When asked about speed, he stated he drives "as slow as possible, as fast as necessary." This gentleman doesn’t even keep his truck idling for HVAC when parked due to the expense of diesel and the wear it puts on the truck’s emissions system. According to him, he has only needed more than a good crosswind to stay cool in the sleeper “a time or two.”

      While I’m uncertain if I could maintain that lifestyle, Penn clearly can, and it’s part of what earned him the title of Trucker of the Year. He wears that badge of honor with a quiet pride that signifies a true professional. Some drivers stand apart from the rest, and I believe he belongs to that group.

      Every modification for 10+ MPG: Inside Trucker of the Year John Penn’s 2019 Cascadia

      Do you have a tip or question for the writer? Reach out to them directly at: caleb@thedrive.com