Truckers brace for diesel spike impact

Plus: How fleets keep new drivers past 120 days | FMCSA outlines enforcement priorities

Diesel prices are surging following the start of the Iran war, and some fleet owners say they're already feeling the impact on their balance sheets. What are you seeing at your trucking business? Share your concerns by tapping the button below.

Plus, some tips to make it past the 120-day "danger zone" with new drivers.

Before we get into it, check out this wholesome video of a trucker living out her dreams.

⬆️ $5.071

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 3/16, UP 0.212¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

ROADSIDE READS

Priority list. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs admitted the agency has "a lot of work to do," laying out his priorities at the recent Truckload Carriers Association convention. Read about what his agency's up to here.

DACA driver. The story of one immigrant truck driver who couldn't renew his CDL.

Women in trucking. Pilot spotlights Courtney Tejeda, a December 2025 recipient of Pilot’s Virtue Award, and her career in the trucking industry.

Gusty winds. Mother Nature was strong enough to blow over this semi-truck on a Montana highway.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Boosting retention and reducing turnover in your driver workforce

The first 120 days are often seen as the "danger zone" for new hires—the time they're most likely to leave. "Turnover happens because the job isn't matching the promise," writes Leah Shaver, president and CEO of The National Transportation Institute.

She advises fleet execs to be realistic about pay, consistently check in with drivers, analyze internal data to spot patterns in why drivers leave and recognize trucker milestones to reduce turnover.

Why this matters: Recruiting high-quality truck drivers has always been tough, and losing them can be costly. If fleets can take steps, especially in the first 120 days, to make drivers feel valued and meet their expectations, they may have more success in cutting down turnover. (Fleet Owner)

FAST LANE

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SEEN & HEARD

"Prove yourself to a company. And once you prove yourself to that company, your name spreads ... The word spreads better than any advertisement you'll ever have."—Bill Oglesby, lead instructor at Midwest Truck Driving School

Oglesby has seen hundreds of students at the truck driving school, and he can spot the key signs that someone will be a high earner. On the school's latest podcast episode, he shares what separates the successful truck drivers from the ones who burn out. (Midwest Truck Driving School)

ROAD REPORT

Diesel costs soar following start of Iran war

Trucking businesses nationwide have begun reporting higher diesel fuel costs since the war in Iran broke out. One Pennsylvania trucker said his fuel costs have risen 25% since the end of February, and he's struggling to pass the increase on to customers. Meanwhile, Connecticut truckers say the spike in diesel prices is hitting their bottom line.

Why this matters: Fleet managers have virtually no control over oil and fuel prices, leaving them all essentially in the same boat, dealing with higher costs. The ones who are able to control costs in other aspects of their business may be more equipped to weather the storm until it passes. (WFSB, Fox 43)

CONNECTED FLEET

Autonomous, driverless trucks limited by scale

Technology and software are no longer the factors holding back autonomous trucks, according to new research. Instead, the ability to scale the systems is a big roadblock to more AVs taking to the roads. For example, fleets would need after-sales support networks before committing to buy autonomous trucks at scale.

Why this matters: At this point, the technology exists for trucks to drive themselves. But the logistics world doesn't operate in a vacuum. Manufacturing, maintenance, regulations and fleet buy-in would all need to line up for driverless trucks to actually make up a meaningful portion of freight trucking. (FreightWaves)