New Mack Anthem delivers game-changing efficiency for regional haul

In the unforgiving world of regional trucking where razor-thin margins define success or failure, one factor consistently separates profitable fleets from struggling operations: fuel efficiency. Every percentage point of fuel savings improvement drives real money straight to your bottom line. That's why Mack® Trucks completely reimagined regional haul performance with the introduction of the all-new Mack Anthem®, a truck engineered to transform fuel costs from a burden into a competitive advantage.

The numbers tell the story. “In addition to a safe, fuel-efficient truck, an up to 10% fuel economy savings creates a significant economic boost to the customer’s bottom line and total cost of ownership,” says Kevin West, senior product manager for vehicle propulsion for Mack Trucks.

Factoring 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor translates into approximately $5,000 in annual savings per truck for typical regional-haul applications. For a 50-truck fleet, that's a quarter-million dollars returned to your operation every single year—money that can fund expansion, equipment upgrades, or simply strengthen your market position.

These efficiency gains stem from a comprehensive approach that addresses every aspect of fuel consumption: powertrain optimization, aerodynamics, and intelligent technology working in perfect synergy.

Powertrain efficiency

The new Anthem features a refined powertrain that maximizes every drop of fuel. The improved MP®13 engine incorporates advanced combustion chamber refinements and a variable-speed oil pump, delivering up to 3% greater efficiency compared to previous MP®8 engines.

“Mack introduced upgrades to the precision-engineered mDRIVE™ transmission that enhances shift speed and overall driveline efficiency. These powertrain improvements don't just save fuel—they work in synergy with the truck's aerodynamic gains to create a comprehensive efficiency package that regional haul operations demand,” says West.

Aerodynamics redefined

Mack's engineering team didn't just refine the new Anthem's aerodynamics—they revolutionized them from the ground up. Drawing inspiration from the fuel economy benchmark established by the Mack Pioneer, the Anthem inherits aerodynamic innovations that deliver measurable results.

The truck's distinctive wedge-shaped cab, aggressively sloped windshield, and streamlined profile slice through air resistance with remarkable efficiency. These design elements, proven in Pioneer testing, can yield between 3% and 7% fuel efficiency gains on their own.

The factory-installed FlowBelow AeroKit takes this further, smoothing airflow around the rear axles to achieve maximum fuel savings. When combined with ground effects and chassis fairings, these aerodynamic treatments create compounding efficiency gains that add up to significant cost reductions mile after mile.

Even innovative details like digital mirror systems—replacing traditional mirrors with aerodynamically superior cameras—contribute approximately 1% additional fuel savings. In regional haul operations where every mile counts, these incremental improvements accumulate into substantial annual savings.

Smart tech

The Anthem’s advanced efficiency technologies transform how your truck interacts with the road. The unique challenges found in bulk hauling, food and beverage distribution, dry bulk, general freight, and LTL, include operating in crowded urban settings requiring frequent stops, tight delivery windows, and variable routes. The Anthem squeezes out every ounce of efficiency with these road-tested features:

• Predictive cruise control optimizes fuel consumption by anticipating upcoming terrain and adjusting throttle and braking before challenges arise. Whether climbing grades or approaching descents, the system continuously fine-tunes engine performance for maximum efficiency.
• Eco-Roll technology allows the truck to coast in neutral during descents, reducing fuel burn when engine power isn't needed. This intelligent feature works seamlessly in the background, capturing savings opportunities that manual operation might miss.
• Overnight idle shutdown features eliminate unnecessary fuel consumption during stops. A battery-powered Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) option optimizes idle fuel burn when parked overnight, allowing engine to turn off once batteries are recharged.

Total cost of ownership

The Anthem's efficiency story extends beyond savings at the fuel tank.

With Mack Connect and  GuardDog Connect, the Anthem leverages predictive maintenance to minimize downtime, demonstrating up to a  20% reduction in unplanned stops  and a 37% reduction in overall downtime. Fewer roadside interruptions mean every gallon of fuel contributes to revenue-generating miles.

Advanced features like APUs and predictive cruise don't just save fuel—they improve driver comfort and satisfaction, supporting retention in today's competitive driver market. When your trucks run more efficiently and drivers operate in greater comfort, your entire operation benefits.

In regional haul operations, where routes are predictable, but margins remain challenging, the Anthem's efficiency gains provide measurable competitive advantages:

Lower per-mile fuel costs improve bid competitiveness on contracted routes while maintaining profit margins.

Reduced fuel consumption extends range between fill-ups, providing operational flexibility in route planning.

Consistent efficiency gains compound over time, creating sustainable cost advantages that strengthen your market position year after year.

The new Anthem proves that fuel efficiency and regional-haul capability aren't mutually exclusive. “By integrating cutting-edge aerodynamics, intelligent technology, and a refined powertrain system into a maneuverable, driver-focused design, Mack delivers a truck that performs exactly where regional fleets need it most,” says West.