After hitting a three-year low of $3.46 per gallon during the week ending Dec. 9, diesel prices have slightly increased, hovering just below $3.50 per gallon, according to the latest figures from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Diesel prices reached their lowest national average in over three years during the week ending Dec. 9. That week’s price of $3.46 per gallon was the cheapest since Sept. 27, 2021, when it was $3.40. By the following week, diesel prices rose slightly to $3.49 per gallon, still well below the average price for 2024, which stands at $3.77.
Freight rates showed some positive movement, helping to offset rising fuel costs. Van and flatbed rates both increased by 2 cents per mile for the week of Dec. 7-13, while reefer rates fell by 4 cents. Despite a 12% drop in van load postings compared to the previous week, postings are still up by 24% compared to the same week last year. Reefer load postings were 15% higher than last year’s pre-Christmas shipping surge.
In the spot market, refrigerated rates fell sharply, as expected, in the second week after Thanksgiving. Van rates also decreased, but the drop was the smallest since 2008 for this particular time of year. Flatbed rates showed typical seasonal changes, although there were a few slight week-over-week increases in recent years.
Regionally, diesel prices saw increases in most parts of the country last week, with the Gulf Coast region experiencing the largest jump of 6 cents. The Lower Atlantic region saw a 5.5 cent rise. In contrast, California’s prices dropped by 2.6 cents, and New England’s prices remained mostly stable, with a small decline of 0.1 cent.
The Gulf Coast region continues to have the cheapest diesel, at $3.19 per gallon, while California maintains the highest price at $4.60. Other regional prices are as follows:
New England: $3.75
Lower Atlantic: $3.49
Midwest: $3.45
West Coast (excluding California): $3.73
ProMiles data showed a slight decrease in average diesel prices, down 3 cents to $3.43 per gallon. The most expensive diesel, according to ProMiles, is in California at $4.73, while the Gulf Coast region offers the lowest price at $3.14.
CarriersEdge Launches Training Course for Owner-Operators
CarriersEdge, an online truck driver training provider, has launched a new business skills course aimed at aspiring and current owner-operators. The course, “Owner Operator Business Skills,” provides essential knowledge for drivers transitioning to owning their own business.
Available to CarriersEdge customers as part of the subscription service, the course can also be purchased independently. It is designed to guide new owner-operators in selecting and financing equipment, understanding registration and compliance requirements, managing vehicle maintenance, and navigating industry challenges such as freight fraud and cybersecurity.
CarriersEdge CEO Jane Jazrawy said the course was created in response to feedback from customers and observations from their Best Fleets to Drive For program. Many new owner-operators face difficulties managing their businesses, often leading to failure. This course aims to address those challenges and help them succeed.
The training material was developed with input from successful owner-operators, fleet management experts, and extensive research to ensure comprehensive guidance for those starting and running their businesses.
Drivewyze Expands Safety Alerts in Three States
Drivewyze has extended its Smart Roadways service, now offering virtual alerts for truck drivers in California, Michigan, and Nevada. The service, which provides real-time safety and traffic alerts, is now available in 20 states.
These free in-cab alerts inform truck drivers of potential risks ahead, such as traffic slowdowns, road hazards, and safety concerns. Drivers using telematics devices, smartphones, or tablets can receive these messages to improve safety on the road.
Drivewyze’s Vice President of Government Experience, Brian Mofford, emphasized the importance of early alerts for drivers. “When a participating state sees a problem ahead, they can notify drivers through a timely message. Being aware of what’s ahead helps drivers stay safe,” Mofford said.
In Michigan, the state police plan to use the alerts to inform drivers during peak holiday travel or about specific driving hazards. In Nevada, alerts will help truckers navigate challenging terrains and hazardous conditions, especially in areas like Reno, Carson City, and Tahoe.
California began using the Smart Roadways platform for safety alerts over Thanksgiving. The system includes warnings for high-rollover risk areas, low bridges, and mountain alerts, as well as notifications about chain-up stations, brake check stations, and runaway ramps.
By expanding this service, Drivewyze aims to improve safety and reduce accidents for truck drivers and all road users.
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