Truck Driver Training

Last summer, gas and diesel prices hit their highest levels in history - $4.11 for gasoline & $4.84 for diesel. This summer, things have changed a little. Regular gasoline is currently averaging $2.69 a gallon while diesel fuel averages $2.62 per gallon.

Unfortunately for the trucking industry, diesel prices have continued to rise over the past several weeks, climbing an average of $.10 per week for the last three weeks. But, prices are still much better than a year ago. Trucking companies were hit hard last year by rising diesel prices and increased competition for shipping bids. Retailers, affected by the downturn in the economy, were trying to get the shipping costs as low as possible so they could stay in the game with their competition. Because of the fierce price wars, many smaller trucking companies were forced out of business.

Even though all of this sounds pretty bad, it’s getting better. The cost of diesel fuel is still rising, but the economy itself is starting to mend. Consumer confidence is higher and they’re starting to spend more money. Many analysts say we’ve seen the worst, and I hope they are right. Only time will tell…the outlook is good.