Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner.

Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner.

      Overdrive via YouTube

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      Some individuals are lucky enough to turn their passions into careers. I consider myself one of them. However, as I listen to John Penn discuss his 2019 Freightliner Cascadia, I can't help but feel he's at a higher level than I am. Penn is so dedicated to freight delivery that he earned Overdrive's 2025 Trucker of the Year award, and it's a delight to hear him share everything he’s done to maximize fuel efficiency in his truck.

      Penn operates JP Transport from Orleans, Indiana, primarily transporting furniture to retailers throughout the southwestern states, from Texas to California. In a recent video interview with Overdrive, he mentioned achieving an average of 10.46 miles per gallon over 216,000 miles with this particular vehicle. While that may not be impressive if you drive a Prius daily, it's remarkable for a semi.

      It's important to note that many factors contribute to the fuel economy of some trucks achieving double-digit mileage while others struggle to reach six or seven mpg. What's working in Penn's favor is his consistent setup, which is more aerodynamic than many on the road. He shared in the video that he has made several modifications to his box trailer since acquiring it in 2015, including the installation of a Transtex Edge Elite Aero kit, which is estimated to save 12 gallons of fuel for every 1,000 miles.

      Maximizing aerodynamics is key. That’s why the only modification Penn made to the truck itself was removing the hood mirrors. Overdrive via YouTube

      There’s a lot to take into account regarding aerodynamics, as Penn explains. He observes the rain spray under the trailer to determine how airflow is moving. Dirty air is the enemy, and nearly every adjustment he made was aimed at addressing that. From trimming the mud flaps for improved streamlining to relocating his license plate to the trailer’s bumper, Penn doesn’t regard any changes as too minor or insignificant. Even with a powerful 455-horsepower Detroit DD15 engine, he seeks to protect it as much as possible.

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

      Penn's driving technique is also designed for maximum efficiency. When asked about his speed, he replied that he drives “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary.” He doesn’t even idle his truck for HVAC purposes while parked because of the expense of diesel and the wear on his truck’s emissions system. He claims he has needed more than a good crosswind to cool off in the sleeper “only a time or two.”

      While I’m not sure I could live that way, Penn clearly does, which is just one reason why he was named Trucker of the Year. It’s a true badge of honor, and he seems to wear it with the quiet pride of a true professional. Some drivers are simply different from the rest, and I believe he belongs in that category.

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

      Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com

Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner. Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner. Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner. Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner.

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Hear a dedicated truck driver share how he achieves 10 miles per gallon in his Freightliner.

When a professional driver starts discussing dirty air and improvements of half a mile per gallon, their enthusiasm really shows.