Fuel Prices Top Trucking Concerns for First Time in 3 Years

The American Transportation Research Institute's annual survey of top trucking industry concerns has placed fuel prices at the #1 position overall for the first time since 2023, marking a significant shift in industry priorities. Diesel prices reached a record high of $6.529 per gallon in September 2026, making this the most expensive fuel cycle in the Energy Information Administration's historical data. What's particularly notable is that fuel prices didn't even appear in the top 10 concerns during 2024 and 2025, suggesting the recent price spike has created genuine operational stress across the industry. The survey results reveal a striking divergence between carrier and driver priorities.

While both groups ranked fuel prices as a top concern (first for drivers, second for carriers), they diverge significantly on other issues. Drivers placed truck parking as their second priority, while carriers ranked it outside the top 10. Conversely, lawsuit abuse topped carriers' concerns but didn't reach drivers' top 10. This gap underscores how fuel surcharges and other mechanisms don't fully shield carriers from cost pressures, contradicting conventional wisdom in the industry.

The survey also highlights growing concern about Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) scores, now ranked #3 overall, largely driven by the Supreme Court's Montgomery ruling. This decision has created liability concerns for freight brokers, making CSA scores and documented safety credentials critical for carrier selection and legal defense. Driver compensation remains elevated, appearing at #3 for carriers this year, signaling renewed pressure on labor costs amid operational challenges.