Diesel at $6.48 per gallon pushes truck drivers to spend $3,500 a week on fuel, forcing some to quit

As diesel prices soar to record highs, truck drivers in the United States are grappling with the financial strain. On September 19, diesel averaged $6.48 per gallon nationwide, with Washington, Hawaii, and California experiencing particularly high prices. For owner-operators, who manage their own trucks, the impact is felt keenly.

Yahathan, a truck driver, has had to cut back on loads due to soaring fuel costs, recognizing that diesel should not surge at such a rapid rate. Vatissa Rhodes, whose weekly fuel expenses nearly doubled, is contemplating selling her truck and taking employment elsewhere, as her paycheck has dropped by about a third. Cross-country trips have seen her spending $3,500 per week on diesel, a significant increase from previous amounts.

These rising costs not only affect the trucking industry but also ripple through the supply chain, leading to increased prices for consumers and higher expenses for farmers utilizing machinery.