In today’s competitive trucking industry, every mile and every dollar count. Long-haul drivers and fleet owners are constantly looking for ways to cut fuel costs, reduce wear on engines, and stay compliant with anti-idling laws. One of the most effective ways to accomplish all of this is by investing in an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) — a game-changer for modern trucking.

What is an Auxiliary Power Unit?

An APU is a small, efficient engine or battery-powered system that provides power for a truck’s heating, cooling, and electrical systems without needing to idle the main engine. Instead of running your costly, fuel-hungry engine overnight or during downtime, an APU powers your cab and accessories with a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.

How Does an APU Save Money?

Idling a Class 8 truck can burn approximately 0.8 to 1 gallon of diesel per hour. If a driver idles for 8 hours per night, that’s 8 gallons wasted every day — and over 2,400 gallons per year. At today’s diesel prices, that adds up to over $9,000 annually in fuel costs alone.

An APU uses only a small fraction of that fuel. Some battery-powered APUs use no fuel at all. Over the course of a year, this can easily translate into $7,000 to $10,000 in savings per truck. Multiply that across a fleet, and the financial impact becomes massive.

Maintenance Savings Add Up

Idling doesn’t just waste fuel — it also accelerates engine wear. Experts estimate that one hour of idling equals 80 miles of driving in terms of engine wear. That extra mileage translates into:
– More frequent oil changes
– Increased downtime for repairs
– Shortened engine lifespan

By letting an APU handle overnight loads, your truck’s primary engine stays in better condition, lowering maintenance costs and extending the truck’s service life.

Legal Compliance and Anti-Idling Laws

Many states and municipalities have passed strict anti-idling regulations. Fines can range from $300 to over $1,000 per incident, especially in states like California and New York. APUs offer a legal and environmentally friendly alternative that allows drivers to rest comfortably while staying compliant with these laws.

Environmental Impact

APUs drastically reduce the carbon footprint of long-haul trucking. A traditional diesel truck emits approximately 22 pounds of CO₂ per gallon of fuel burned. Reducing idling by just one hour per day per truck can prevent thousands of pounds of emissions annually.

By adopting APUs across your fleet, you contribute to cleaner air, lower noise pollution, and a greener supply chain — all while saving money.

Why Choose APU Center?

At APU Center, we specialize in helping truckers and fleet managers maximize fuel efficiency and minimize downtime. We offer:
– New and refurbished diesel and battery APUs
– Trusted brands like Thermo King, Carrier, Green APU, and Dynasys
– Fast nationwide shipping and installation services
– Financing options to make upgrades affordable

Our knowledgeable staff helps match you with the right APU for your truck type, usage level, and budget. Whether you drive a Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo, Kenworth, or International — we’ve got an APU solution that fits.

Ready to Save?

Don’t let fuel prices and engine wear eat into your profits. Installing an Auxiliary Power Unit is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your truck or fleet. Visit apucenter.com today to learn more or contact our team for a free consultation.