Rising Fuel Prices Deepen Trucking Industry Concerns as Carriers Seek Relief

Fuel prices became the trucking industry’s leading concern in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2026 Top Industry Issues report, rising 17 spots from the previous year’s survey. The report was released Oct. 18 during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Fuel prices lead industry concerns

Nearly 3,100 trucking stakeholders participated in ATRI’s 22nd annual survey. Fuel prices ranked No. 1 overall, replacing the economy at the top of the industry’s list of concerns.

The report identified historically low distillate inventories and continued market volatility as factors affecting diesel costs. ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said significant relief may be unlikely in the near term.

“I’m not saying you’re going to see a big spike here, but I don’t think there’s gonna be much relief,” Costello told conference attendees.

Other concerns in the overall top five included lawsuit abuse reform, compliance, safety and accountability, insurance cost and availability, and the driver shortage. Truck parking did not rank among the overall top 10 for the first time since 2012.

Drivers and carriers have different priorities

Truck drivers, including owner-operators and company drivers, ranked fuel prices first, truck parking second, and driver compensation third.

Motor carriers identified lawsuit abuse reform as their top concern, followed by fuel prices and the driver shortage. The differences reflect the separate operational and financial pressures affecting drivers and trucking companies.

The full ATRI report also outlines research and advocacy priorities associated with each issue identified in the survey.

Industry seeks action on fuel volatility

Survey respondents cited federal action to increase fuel supplies and reduce price volatility as potential strategies for addressing diesel costs. ATRI representatives also pointed to recent federal measures, including expanded use of red-dyed diesel for on-road trucks.

Diesel prices have remained a major financial concern for carriers as freight demand remains soft. When demand is low, suppliers may prioritize gasoline over diesel, contributing to tighter diesel markets and higher refining margins.

While the survey identifies fuel prices as the industry’s top concern, some carriers are also pursuing internal strategies to control fuel consumption and manage operating costs.