Fuel surpassing labor as largest trucking expense: ATA
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The U.S. trucking industry's fuel bill this year will be in the $135 billion range -- over $22 billion more than in 2007 -- predicts the country's national trucking association. American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves said the trucking industry is experiencing the highest prolonged fuel prices in history. For some motor carriers, fuel for the first time is beginning to surpass labor as their largest expense. The cost to fill the fuel tanks on a typical tractor-trailer has increased 116 percent, or $615, in just five years. "The trucking industry is making great strides in its efforts to reduce overall fuel consumption. But an affordable supply of diesel fuel is imperative to keep our trucks moving," said Graves. "There is little to suggest that fuel prices will decline any time soon. Yet every day, ATA hears new stories from its members about how escalating fuel prices are hurting their businesses and affecting their livelihood." To alleviate future significant fuel price fluctuations, ATA calls upon Congress to immediately to take steps to increase diesel fuel supply. These include increased refining capacity and the environmentally sound exploration of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge