An estimated 200,000 trailers will be equipped with trailer-tail technology by 2017, according to manufacturer ATDynamics.
The technology reduces aerodynamic drag at the back of tractor-trailers, improving fuel efficiency by about 5%. It has been used on the Department of Energy's fuel-efficiency project, SuperTruck.
Currently, 350 trucking companies use the device. Prime Inc. and C.R. England each operate 20,000 TrailerTails, according to ATDynamics.
"The primary reason that the shape of semi-trailers will change is that TrailerTails pay for themselves in six to 24 months, depending on the operating profile of the fleet," ATDynamics CEO Andrew Smith said in a statement.
"Investment opportunities that pay 50% to 200% annual returns tend to drive action."
