The fuel habits keeping owner-operators profitable

Is driving still worth it? For a lot of owner-operators right now, that's not a rhetorical question.

With diesel prices holding firm above $5 per gallon, drivers and owner-operators are stretched thin. Some are turning down work that won't pay what they need. The consequences are real and the people feeling them most aren't always the ones with a platform to say so. 

In part two of our three-part Q&A series on diesel prices, Mihai David, an owner-operator and independent contractor with Interstate Moving, Relocation, Logistics shares his perspective on the diesel situation as an OO, what he hears from other drivers and what he's watching in the near-term future.

—Interview by Shefali Kapadia, edited by Bianca Prieto

ICYMI read part 1: Diesel is spiking. Here's how one operator is holding on.

As an owner-operator, how is the diesel squeeze hitting you and the drivers around you differently than it might hit a company driver?

As an owner-operator, fuel is one of my biggest costs—and it comes directly out of my pocket. A company driver doesn't carry that burden in the same way. When diesel prices rise, small independent operators feel it immediately, while larger fleets can spread those costs across the business more efficiently.

On top of that, most independent drivers are also paying off their equipment. I'd estimate around 90% are financing their trucks. So you're dealing with rising fuel costs while still meeting fixed payments, which puts a lot of pressure on your cash flow. 

A lot of drivers are questioning whether it's still worth it. That's especially true for newer and younger drivers who haven't had time to build up financial reserves. They're the most exposed when costs spike.

The challenge is paying higher fuel costs out of pocket, then waiting to be reimbursed or paid. That gap can stretch people thin. I've also seen more drivers sitting at truck stops or parking lots, turning down loads and waiting for better-paying jobs that can absorb the higher fuel costs.

Have you turned down any loads since fuel prices started spiking? 

Personally, I’ve been fortunate. I work exclusively with Interstate, and they’ve treated me well. Their managers keep me moving, so I haven’t had to turn down work. But I know other drivers who aren’t in that position. When you don’t have consistent support or good rates, you’re forced to make tough decisions about what work you can take.

Are you altering your driving patterns or behavior in any way to account for higher diesel costs?

Yes, definitely. When fuel prices are high, you become much more disciplined. Driving slower, paying close attention to miles per gallon and avoiding unnecessary idling all make a difference. It’s about being more intentional with every mile.

Are you seeing companies provide advice or help drivers manage fuel costs? 

In my experience, yes. The safety and compliance teams at Interstate have gone above and beyond their usual role to provide guidance on route planning, share information about fuel prices in real time and help identify where you can save—whether that’s through route optimization or payment methods.

That kind of support matters because it helps drivers make better day-to-day decisions. I know not everyone has someone looking out for them, so it really makes a difference for drivers. 

What do you wish trucking executives understood about life on the road right now? 

Delays are one of the hardest parts of the job. Waiting for loads or dealing with slow payments can really stretch you financially. Cash flow is everything in this business.

Another big issue is parking. There simply aren’t enough safe, well-lit places for trucks at night. A lot of drivers end up parking on freeway ramps or in less secure areas, which increases the risk of theft or worse. That’s something the industry could do more to address.

What are you watching in the near future?

Like everyone else, I’m monitoring current events and sourcing impacts that directly affect everything we do. I’m optimistic things will stabilize, but it means being more careful with planning and budgeting. Having a partnership with a great company that has my back really helps when navigating tougher environments. 

The Inside Lane's Take

You already know the fundamentals: slow down, watch your idle time and plan your fuel stops. The question right now is whether you're being deliberate enough about executing them every single day when margins are this thin. Fuel discount cards and route optimization tools exist specifically for this situation, if you're not using them, it's worth a look. And if your fleet has real-time pricing data or route support to offer, ask for it. The drivers getting through this stretch aren't doing anything most OOs don't already know. They're being extra diligent.

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com

The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.