What happened
The Associated Press reported that the U.S. national average diesel price reached $5.94 per gallon on Sept. 9, another nominal record, based on AAA data. The price was 58% higher than at the start of the current conflict. Brent crude settled at $101.21 per barrel and U.S. benchmark crude at $96.05. National averages can change daily, and a driver’s actual pump price may be materially higher or lower by state and location.
What drivers should do
Before quoting or accepting a load, calculate fuel for the entire trip—including deadhead—using the truck’s actual recent MPG and the current price on the planned route. Read the rate confirmation and contract: identify whether a fuel surcharge is separate or included, which index and baseline are used, how often it updates, and whether there is a lag or cap. Do not rely on a verbal promise; have any surcharge or rate change confirmed in writing before dispatch.
Why this matters to our community
Owner-operators should compare the expected all-in revenue with fuel, tolls, reefer fuel, insurance, maintenance reserve, driver pay and other trip costs. A cheaper fuel stop is not a saving if the detour, waiting time or lost hours cost more. Drivers should keep receipts, follow approved fuel-card and routing rules, and never use unsafe practices to save fuel. Useful English terms include retail diesel average, fuel surcharge, baseline price, adjustment lag, deadhead, actual MPG, all-in rate and cost per loaded mile.