#trucking-economics
(7 articles)National Debt Hits $40T: Freight Costs Rising Via Interest Rates
The U.S. gross federal debt surpassed $40 trillion in August 2026, with net interest costs now exceeding $1 trillion annually and consuming 18.5% of federal revenue, a record high. This structural fis
Diesel at Record $6.53, Driver Pay Up 50%: Carriers Face Margin Squeeze
The trucking industry faces a critical profitability crisis as diesel prices reach an all-time high of $6.53 per gallon while operating costs have surged 40 to 50% since 2019. According to Covenant Lo
$6 Diesel: What Rising Fuel Costs Mean for US Freight
Rising diesel prices to $6 per gallon represent a critical cost inflection point for the US trucking industry, directly cascading into freight pricing and supply chain economics across all consumer-fa
FTL Linehaul vs. Fuel Surcharge: Understanding Rate Components
This article provides an educational breakdown of Full Truckload (FTL) freight pricing, specifically distinguishing between linehaul rates and fuel surcharge components. Understanding these rate compo
Small Fleet Financing Crisis: Trucks Now Too Expensive to Buy
Small trucking fleets have fundamentally shifted their financing behavior, pivoting away from equipment purchases toward short-term repair loans as purchase economics deteriorate. According to Nationa
Oil Shock Drives Freight Costs to COVID-Era Peaks
A recent analysis from Florida Atlantic University reveals that recent crude oil price increases have driven freight transportation costs back to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. This oil
Fleet Insurance Innovations Help Carriers Manage Rising Costs
Insurance premiums for trucking fleets have reached record levels, with carriers paying 10.2 cents per mile in 2024 and facing accelerated increases in early 2025. The rising costs reflect broader inf