The cost of fuel may hurt many trucking companies

Fuel prices are continuing to soar throughout the U.S. as a result of civil unrest in Libya. The Texas American Automobile Association branch reports that diesel costs have reached $3.74 per gallon across the state, according to news station KENS.

Officials told the news provider that it currently costs truck drivers an average of $1,000 to fill up their vehicle, which many believe will trickle down to the consumer and impact the overall economy.

However, companies are searching for ways to minimize miles and conserve on fuel as much as possible. Some trucking businesses are currently upgrading some of their fleets to natural gas, which is less expensive.

"We try to coordinate the routes where they are compacted so we could go less miles and put more on a truck, but that does not always work, especially with the surrounding areas of San Antonio we cover. It is a large area," Raymond O'Connell, Central Freight Lines manager, told the news source.

Safety directors can enroll their employees in online truck driver training courses to educate them on which are the best routes to drive to conserve fuel. Moreover, these sessions can keep operators up-to-date on current events that affect their industry.

By Mark Priest

The cost of fuel may hurt many trucking companies

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011