For the first time in history, the average price of gasoline in all 50 states was above $4 per gallon in 2022. Numerous factors have contributed to this problem, ranging from the conflict in Ukraine to supply issues throughout the distribution chain.

 

Although the Energy Information Administration expects fuel prices to level off in the summer and decrease in the fall, that’s little relief for truckers and operators who rely on diesel fuel to earn an income.

 

In May 2022, AAA recorded a national average of $5.57 per gallon for diesel fuel. [[1]]

 

Small companies are letting drivers go to maximize profits because of this issue. Individual drivers are getting turned into teams. Although increased commercial activities are contributing factors to the price increases, the fear is that a lot of the trucks on the road today aren’t going to be there soon. [[2]]

 

That’s because many small companies cannot afford the higher fuel prices.

 

Fuel Costs in 2022 Have Almost Doubled for Some Drivers

 

On NewsNation, Maurice Burnside says that his fuel costs have almost doubled in a single year. He’s the owner of Phaymis Trucking Company.

 

“It’s a struggle,” he said during an interview for “Morning in America.” “The longer hauls are a bit more of a challenge.” He stated that they’re taking shorter runs and contracts to spend less money on diesel fuel, but that also means they’re making less per haul. [[3]]

 

With prices expected to continue rising because of the state of the world, the trucking industry expects the issue to be detrimental to everyone. As Burnside noted, truckers can’t drive for free. They have families to care for, which means the prices eventually get passed to consumers.

 

That’s part of the reason for inflationary pricing in stores. It all starts with the increased prices that truck drivers see when they stop for fuel.

 

Could These Issues Lead to a Diesel Fuel Shortage?

 

Because of the challenging logistics that diesel pricing creates right now, some trucking companies are telling their drivers to fill up every night – no exceptions. It doesn’t matter if they need it or not.

 

These requests happen because of a real fear that some areas might not have diesel fuel to offer when truckers would normally fill up. The typical practice is to wait until there is about a quarter of a tank left, and that creates a bill of about $900 for the average driver.

 

A truck with two tanks that holds 150 gallons each would typically fill up with fuel when 250 gallons are needed. If diesel is at $6 per gallon, that means drivers and companies are spending about $1,500 for the same need.

 

The requests to fill up each night might seem like a solution, but it also contributes to the fuel shortage issues in some ways. [[4]]

 

Fueling stations are responding to the increased traffic at the pump by limiting purchases to 100 gallons and creating other local restrictions to preserve supplies. Although this practice isn’t widespread, it can significantly interrupt a driver’s schedule since it requires multiple unanticipated stops.

 

It’s not just the price of fuel rising for the industry. Trucking equipment has seen price jumps in 2022, and insurance rates are up between 15% to 25% for many.

 

What Can Be Done to Keep Fuel Prices in Check?

 

With the trucking industry facing the highest fuel prices in eight years, many elected officials are eager to start finding ways to limit costs for the industry.

 

Several states have started rolling back their fuel taxes. In Washington, D.C., some politicians have floated the idea of dropping the federal fuel tax. The White House even tapped into the strategic oil reserve to help stabilize the market and encourage more fuel production.

 

Many of those efforts won’t help truckers save much at the station. The federal gas tax is only 18.4 cents per gallon. That means a 250-gallon fill-up for a trucker would save them $46.

 

California has the highest fuel tax in the United States, charging $0.68 per gallon. If that were suspended with the federal tax, that amount would be more substantial at $216 per fill-up.

 

Although that’s better than nothing, truckers would still be paying about $400 more than last year for each stop. That means customers are paying more, eliminating the wage increases that have been happening in recent months.

 

Are there other steps that can be taken besides removing extra charges that are already on the bill when buying diesel fuel? [[5]]

 

1. Investigate Oil Producers

The Federal Trade Commission was asked in 2021 to investigate oil companies. The White House wanted to examine whether these organizations were keeping fuel prices artificially high. That request was made because producer costs were falling while gas costs to the consumer kept rising.

 

Although the oil industry is known for taking monopolistic actions, it is unknown if this step will have any impact on diesel prices for the trucking companies.

 

2. Ban Oil Exports

Some people have urged The White House to ban all U.S. oil exports to stabilize fuel prices for truckers and consumers. Although this idea might create a positive short-term result, it could also cause other countries to take reciprocal actions.

 

If most countries decided to stop exporting oil, the global supply would eventually decrease. That would cause diesel prices to rise.

 

Although multiple factors go into the cost of gasoline at the pump, the price of oil is the most crucial factor in that calculation. It’s determined globally, not by how much crude each country produces.

 

American oil exports are different from what domestic refineries can currently process, which means adding supplies to what would go to a foreign market is not immediately helpful.

 

3. Monitor Tire Pressure

When truckers haul a heavy load, the tire PSI is a critical component of fuel use. A rig can experience a 1% drop in its total MPG economy for every 10 PSI each tire is underinflated. Before hitting the highway, it helps to check each tire to ensure it is inflated to its recommended PSI.

 

There’s a secondary benefit to consider when using this idea to save on fuel. It’ll make the tires last longer, which means your overhead expenses in that area start decreasing.

 

4. Avoid Idling When Possible

Engine idling cannot be entirely avoided. If you know that you’re stopping for more than a few minutes, it’s worth the time and effort to cut the engine.

 

Some states, including California, have anti-idling laws. Drivers can receive a fine if they’re caught idling their rig for more than five minutes.

 

When you are on the road, try to stay in a high gear whenever possible. If the engine starts working harder than necessary to get you to your destination, it’ll burn more fuel. Each truck has a sweet spot to find with the gearbox, and you can extend your fuel economy by minimizing the use of the gas and brake pedals.

 

5. Take Advantage of Momentum

The size and weight of a truck can build a lot of momentum, especially on highways where declines of 6% or more are common in the West. Once you get to the summit, it’s easier to coast downhill without putting your foot on the gas.

 

Although you’ll spend more fuel going up a hill, you can balance out fuel consumption by using this technique.

 

You can also begin slowing earlier when your exit is coming up to extend your fuel economy.

 

When you’re in the middle of a long stretch, use the cruise control as much as possible to keep speeds consistent. You can keep the engine in its RPM sweet spot, which minimizes your diesel consumption.

 

6. Keep the Load Even and Low

When you haul a covered trailer, your goal is to balance the load so that your center of gravity remains stable and centered. That will keep the truck from expending more fuel, especially on a longer haul.

 

If you don’t have a covered trailer, the goal is to create minimal aerodynamic resistance while operating at highway speeds. Secure the cargo to be as low and even as possible with chain binders, tarps, or winch straps.

 

Some loads are uneven because of the materials being hauled down the highway. In that situation, you can minimize diesel consumption by positioning the tall point of the cargo to the front of the trailer.

 

Now Is the Time to Start Saving Fuel Each Day

 

Fuel prices will rise, and they will eventually fall. That is the reality of the modern marketplace, especially with oil traded as a commodity.

 

When truckers take steps to save on fuel expenses, especially as owner-operators, they can maximize profits.

 

Even when diesel prices eventually decline, it’s important to think about your driving habits after earning your CDL to limit expenses. Until that happens, every effort to extend your fuel economy is worth the investment.

 

What are some of the policies or efforts you’ve implemented recently to conserve diesel or maximize your fuel economy on the road?

[[1]] https://gasprices.aaa.com

[[2]] https://www.cbs17.com/news/supply-shortage-affecting-diesel-prices-across-nc/

[[3]] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQF9DQxtJeQ

[[4]] https://www.wmdt.com/2022/05/trucking-industry-faces-rising-diesel-prices-experts-say-potential-shortage-on-horizon/

[[5]] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gas-prices-inflation-us-president-cbs-news-explains/