📈 Record-High Trucking Costs (Minus Fuel): Why $2.26 Per Mile Still Hurts

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Fuel prices *finally* eased up a little… but if you thought that would help your bottom line, think again. According to new data, **trucking costs are still at a record high—averaging $2.26 per mile**.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not even fuel that’s to blame.

It’s everything else—wages, maintenance, repairs, insurance, compliance, equipment financing—all of it is surging. So while the pump might be slightly cheaper, the paycheck is still stretched tighter than a fifth wheel on a Friday.

Key Points

Record per-mile cost: $2.26 – That’s the highest it’s ever been, and fuel isn't the reason.

Wages & benefits rising – Drivers are earning more (a good thing), but it’s adding to fleet operating costs.

Maintenance is crushing budgets – Aging equipment, parts shortages, and shop labor spikes are making every repair sting more.

Insurance rates won’t quit climbing – Higher accident claims and nuclear verdicts mean skyrocketing premiums.

Newer equipment = pricier payments – Fleets trying to upgrade are stuck with high monthly costs thanks to rising truck prices and interest rates.

Who Feels It Worst?

Owner-Operators – O/Os are getting squeezed from all angles. Fuel discounts help, but rising costs for tires, oil, brakes, and insurance eat it right back up.

Small Fleets – Running 10 trucks or less? You’re likely struggling to compete with mega carriers who can negotiate better rates and stretch maintenance budgets further.

New entrants – Anyone who got in during the 2021 boom is now seeing what a true downturn feels like—and many are going out just as fast as they came in.

Why Fuel Isn’t Saving Us

Even though diesel is down slightly compared to 2022–23, it’s not enough to offset the other ballooning costs. And many drivers say they never actually see the fuel savings—brokers and fleets pocket the difference while O/Os keep paying through the nose for everything else.

Plus, with freight rates still soft, that $2.26 per mile average means some are still running for less than it costs to operate.

Multiple Perspectives

Drivers say: “They want us to be happy with higher wages, but I’m spending half of that on maintenance and the rest on just staying legal.”

Fleets say: “We want to offer better pay and benefits, but the cost of keeping these trucks moving is becoming unsustainable.”

Shippers say: “Why should we pay more if fuel is down?” — completely missing the non-fuel explosion in costs.

What Can Be Done?

Better planning – Fleets need to invest in predictive maintenance and real-time cost tracking.

Smarter tech – Tools like AI-driven route planning and automated repair alerts (like Penske’s Fleet Insight) can shave costs.

Bulk deals – Join co-ops or negotiate group pricing for tires, parts, and insurance.

Most importantly: truckers need to start diversifying income—because the road alone isn’t paying what it used to.

Bottom Line

Fuel ain’t the problem anymore. The real killers are creeping up from every other corner of the budget—and most drivers are paying the price.

$2.26 per mile might be the new average, but if rates stay flat and costs keep rising, trucking profit margins could vanish entirely for the little guys.

🚀 Call to Action

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