Rising Fuel Prices Deepen Trucking Concerns as Industry Seeks Relief
Fuel prices ranked as the trucking industry’s top concern in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2026 Top Industry Issues survey, replacing the economy after three consecutive years at No. 1. The findings were released Oct. 18 during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fuel costs surge to the top of the list
Fuel prices climbed 17 positions from the 2025 survey to become the industry’s leading concern. The shift follows a sharp increase in diesel prices, which have added pressure to carriers already dealing with weak freight demand, soft rates and rising operating costs.
The national average price of on-highway diesel reached $6.276 per gallon in Energy Department data released Oct. 19. That was nearly 10 cents higher than the previous week and $2.656 above the same period a year earlier. Diesel prices also topped $6.50 per gallon in September, according to the survey information.
American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello said historically low distillate inventories could limit the potential for near-term relief. He cautioned that diesel prices could remain elevated through the fall freight season, although he did not predict a sharp additional increase.
Industry’s other leading concerns
The other concerns in the overall top five were lawsuit abuse reform, compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program, insurance cost and availability, and the driver shortage.
Truck parking did not rank among the overall top 10 concerns for the first time since 2012. However, it remained a significant issue for drivers. Drivers ranked fuel prices first, truck parking second and driver compensation third.
The ATRI report also outlines respondents’ research and advocacy priorities for each issue. Survey participants identified federal action to increase fuel supply and reduce price volatility as the leading potential strategies for addressing diesel costs.
Mixed response to dyed-diesel expansion
Recent federal action expanding the use of dyed diesel for certain on-road trucking applications has drawn mixed reactions. ATRI said the policy could provide some relief, but questions remain about whether it will meaningfully reduce costs without creating additional compliance burdens for fleets.
Fuel suppliers often prioritize gasoline over diesel when overall demand is weak, which can contribute to higher diesel prices and wider refining margins. The resulting costs affect trucking and logistics operations as well as other diesel-dependent industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.
Carriers pursue cost-control measures
Some fleets are working to limit the impact of high diesel prices through operational changes, including reducing idling and improving route efficiency. Farmers are using GPS-guided equipment to reduce unnecessary travel, while biodiesel and renewable diesel offer alternatives that can lower petroleum use without requiring replacement of existing engines.
For trucking companies, sustained fuel costs can affect pricing decisions, contract negotiations, equipment investment and overall margins. With immediate relief uncertain, carriers and other supply-chain businesses are expected to continue monitoring fuel markets closely.
