(NewsNation) — Rising diesel prices are forcing commercial truck drivers to slow down and rethink how they work, but one veteran trucker says fuel costs are only part of a deeper problem plaguing the industry.
Gord Magill, a trucker since 1997 and author of “End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers,” told NewsNation Thursday while slowing down saves fuel, the bigger issue is how the industry treats drivers’ time.
“Truck drivers spend an awful lot of time waiting to get loaded or unloaded because the distribution centers and the various customers and facilities we deal with are often unorganized, understaffed and take forever to get truckers out the door,” Magill said.
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The national average price for a gallon of diesel has reached $5.39 — nearly $2 more than a year ago — and gas prices overall are up 42% since the Iran conflict began in February, according to national averages.
Defense Department records show the average price the agency paid for fuel climbed from $154 per barrel in October to $195 per barrel in April, a nearly 27% increase over six months.
In response to the crunch, some commercial drivers are already changing their habits.
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A graphic outlines fuel‑saving tips for truck drivers, including using cruise control, easing acceleration, and limiting air conditioning use. (NewsNation) -
A graphic breaks down typical fuel tank sizes for commercial semi‑trucks, ranging from 100 to more than 400 gallons depending on haul type. (NewsNation) -
A graphic shows average daily driving distances for truckers, from under 200 miles for local routes to up to 650 miles for long‑haul trips. (NewsNation) -
A graphic highlights key figures in the U.S. trucking industry, including more than 3 million drivers, 14 million registered trucks, and nearly $906 billion in revenue. (NewsNation)
A transportation analytics company found commercial drivers drove 4% more slowly in late April than at the start of the year.
Driving at a steady 55 to 60 mph, Magill said, hits “the sweet spot” for fuel conservation and can save truckers hundreds of dollars a week.
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But slowing down comes with its own trade-off. Drivers paid by the mile end up working longer hours for the same rate, compounding financial pressure on owner-operators who purchase their own fuel.
Hours-of-service regulations — which cap how long drivers can work — add another layer of constraint, Magill said, leaving truckers squeezed between fuel costs, wait times and legal driving limits.
Many carriers have responded by adding fuel surcharges to offset rising costs.
Taking on side income, however, isn’t realistic for most drivers, Magill said, noting that over-the-road truckers typically work 60 to 70 hours a week and are away from home for extended periods.
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