Ultra-high fuel costs have taken their toll on truckers, but it’s not all bad news…
Whether you drive a big rig or not, you’ve probably noticed a problem—paying at the pump costs you a lot more than it did when 2022 began.
Supply chain issues, skyrocketing demand for fuel, and a variety of other factors have led to this issue.
And it affects almost all of us.
But truckers have been hit especially hard. In many places across the country, diesel fuel is now $5 – 7 dollars per gallon—and when you’re filling a 150-gallon tank, that’s a hefty chunk of change.
But that doesn’t mean rising fuel costs have to slow you down. In fact, you may not even have to worry about fuel costs as a trucker. It all depends on the company you work for…
How Are Fuel Costs Affecting Truckers?
It’s no secret that rising fuel costs are putting a strain on Americans’ wallets.
As of June 2022, a gallon of gasoline costs 63% more than it did in June of 2021, and a gallon of diesel costs 73% more.
For many truckers (particularly owner-operators) these rising costs are devastating. Some owner-operators make practically no profit hauling loads that should be feeding their families.
Not to mention, supply chain issues and long wait times mean truckers are burning through fuel, with some gas-guzzling rigs burning through a gallon of fuel for every hour spent idling.
So, rising fuel costs mean truckers are doubling or tripling their fuel payments just to fill their tanks…
But the problem goes much deeper than that. High diesel prices (along with supply chain problems and wait times) mean many truckers are spending more time away from home and away from their families.
And when those truckers do finally get home, many aren’t earning as much as they should be.
How Do Fuel Prices Affect Consumers?
If you think the fuel crisis ends at the pump, think again…
Truckers make up the backbone of our economy. They haul thousands of tons of goods all day, every day, to deliver them on time to consumers.
In other words, we can’t live without them.
But when they can’t afford to do their jobs and feed their families, consumers have to carry the load as well.
Rising fuel costs lead to higher delivery costs, meaning your favorite stores are bound to continue increasing their prices.
So, this is truly an issue that affects all of us (even if you’re not a trucker)—but is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
It’s All About Your Employer…
Truckers, it’s more important than ever for you to be careful about choosing an employer. The “good news” about rising fuel costs is that companies usually pay for fuel.
But with diesel prices on the rise, some companies have tried balancing their costs by lowering pay.
With that said, it’s important to remember that your skills are still a very valuable asset. Your job is in-demand, and you shouldn’t have to settle for a company that trades your pay for their profits.
That’s why we always emphasize this point—a successful career in trucking is all about your employer. And if you’ve ended up here because you’re searching for a better employer, you’re in the right place…
Better Pay, Benefits, and a Better Way to Drive, with JFW
At JFW, we believe rising fuel costs shouldn’t mean sacrificing your pay and benefits. We believe you should drive for a company that has your back, even when the economy takes a hit.
For over 70 years, we’ve worked hard to create a company that supports its employees just like they support us.
We recognize that without dedicated truckers, our business doesn’t run. That’s why—despite rising fuel costs—we continue to offer some of the best pay and benefits in the industry…
- Paid Time Off
- Class A truck driving jobs near me only local routes (more time at home!)
- Health benefits (healthcare, dental, vision, and savings plans)
- Retirement plans
- Paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)
- Quarterly bonuses for driving safely
- Modern equipment (2017 or newer) and a skilled mechanic team
No long wait times, no long stretches away from home, and no cuts to your pay and benefits—just a company that supports you and your family.
We think you’ll agree that’s what a trucking company should stand for, so, why not get started today?
APPLY NOW on our website, we look forward to hearing from you!