Truckers Reduce Speed to Cut Costs, But Veteran Driver Warns of Deeper Industry Crisis

Soaring diesel prices are compelling commercial drivers to adjust their speed and reconsider their daily routines. However, Gord Magill, a veteran trucker with nearly three decades of experience and the author of End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, argues that fuel expenses are merely one facet of a more systemic issue. Speaking to NewsNation on Thursday, Magill emphasized that while reducing speed helps conserve fuel, the industry’s mishandling of drivers' time poses a far more significant challenge.

“Truck drivers spend an awful lot of time waiting to get loaded or unloaded because the distribution centers and the various customers and facilities we deal with are often unorganized, understaffed and take forever to get truckers out the door,” Magill explained.

The financial pressure is evident in current market data. The national average for a gallon of diesel has climbed to $5.39, marking an increase of nearly $2 compared to this time last year. Furthermore, overall gasoline prices have surged by 42% since the onset of the conflict in Iran in February. Data from the Defense Department corroborates this trend, showing that the average cost of fuel for the agency jumped from $154 per barrel in October to $195 per barrel in April—a rise of nearly 27% within a six-month span.

In response to these economic headwinds, some commercial operators have already altered their driving habits. Analytics from a transportation firm indicate that in late April, drivers were traveling at speeds 4% slower than they were at the beginning of the year. Magill noted that maintaining a consistent speed between 55 and 60 mph represents the “sweet spot” for efficiency, potentially saving owners hundreds of dollars weekly.

However, this strategy introduces new complications. Drivers compensated per mile effectively extend their work hours without increasing their pay, which exacerbates the financial strain on owner-operators who must cover their own fuel costs. These challenges are further complicated by hours-of-service regulations, which impose strict limits on working duration. According to Magill, these rules trap truckers between rising fuel bills, excessive waiting times, and legal constraints on how long they can drive.

To mitigate rising expenses, numerous carriers have implemented fuel surcharges. Yet, Magill pointed out that relying on supplemental income is not a viable solution for most. Over-the-road truckers typically work 60 to 70 hours a week and remain away from home for long stretches, leaving little opportunity to take on additional work.

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Source: Yahoo News Generated at: 2026-06-05 01:52:52 UTC