Fuel is one of the top two cost drivers for truck fleets, second only to driver wages.
ATRI’s 2024 data shows that running a truck cost an average of $2.270 per mile in 2023. Fuel alone made up $0.553 per mile, a slight drop from the previous year, but still a significant portion of every dollar spent on the road.
But here’s the real challenge: even when fuel prices dip, the volatility makes it hard to plan ahead. For local haulers running tight, short-distance routes, the swings in diesel pricing can chip away at already thin margins.
In this article, we’ll explain what’s driving your truck fuel cost and how it fits into your overall operating expenses. We’ll also share practical ways to reduce fuel costs, improve fleet fuel efficiency, and manage your fuel management for fleet more effectively.
When it comes to truck fuel cost, the pump price doesn’t tell the whole story.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), a gallon of diesel in April 2025 averaged $3.57, and this chart breaks down where that money goes:
That’s why fuel cost volatility is also about everything between the well and your fuel tank.
On top of that, fuel truck cost at the retail level can swing depending on regional supply, refinery outages, or even seasonal demand, especially during summer or winter surges.
Understanding this breakdown helps local fleet owners better manage fuel management for fleet planning and avoid surprises in their monthly operating costs.
Managing your truck fuel cost isn’t just about watching pump prices. It’s about understanding long-term trends and making smarter decisions for your fleet. Here’s a quick look at fuel costs per mile and per hour based on the ATRI’s 2024 data:
| Year | Fuel Cost per Mile | Fuel Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $0.583 | $23.29 |
| 2015 | $0.403 | $16.13 |
| 2016 | $0.336 | $13.45 |
| 2017 | $0.368 | $14.50 |
| 2018 | $0.433 | $17.07 |
| 2019 | $0.384 | $15.14 |
| 2020 | $0.308 | $12.52 |
| 2021 | $0.417 | $16.78 |
| 2022 | $0.641 | $25.84 |
| 2023 | $0.553 | $22.23 |
So, what does this mean?
Fuel costs hit a 10-year high in 2022 and dipped slightly in 2023, but they’re still far above pre-pandemic levels. While diesel prices eased, overall operating costs didn’t drop much, which tells us that waiting for prices to go down won’t solve the problem.
This is where fuel fleet management software and better vehicle fleet management come in. Knowing your fleet fuel consumption trends year over year can help you make decisions that actually lower your costs beyond just hoping for cheaper fuel.
Fuel spikes hit smaller fleets and owner-operators the hardest. When truck fuel cost rises quickly, it can ripple through your entire operation.
Some of the common effects include:
When there’s no clear system to track and manage fuel use, these problems tend to build up. If left unchecked, it can slowly lead to missed contracts, budget shortfalls, and more frequent breakdowns.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire fleet to start cutting back on fuel. Small changes in how you operate can make a real difference in your truck fuel cost over time.
1. Plan smarter routes
Using GPS or fleet management tools can help reduce backtracking, avoid traffic-heavy routes, and limit idle time. The fewer unnecessary miles your trucks drive, the more fuel you save.
2. Stay on top of maintenance
Basic upkeep like keeping tires properly inflated, changing filters, and checking fluids can improve fleet fuel efficiency without major expense. A well-maintained truck burns less fuel and is less likely to break down—saving you money in the long run.
3. Cut down on idling
Long warm-ups and trucks left running at job sites are common fuel drains. Even if you’re not using advanced tracking, just noting idle time on driver logs can highlight patterns and help reduce fleet fuel costs.
4. Use dispatching tools
If your operation has access to dispatching software, use it to optimize your schedule. Load planning and idle tracking features in some fleet management software can help streamline your operation without big changes.
Managing truck fuel cost doesn’t have to be complicated, especially for local fleets. The key is starting simple and building on what works.
Many fleets still use a spreadsheet or even a notebook to log fuel purchases by truck, but there are more efficient ways now. Tracking odometer readings and calculating fuel cost per mile can be streamlined with apps or software tools that give you a clearer picture of fleet fuel consumption and help you catch unusual spikes faster.
If one vehicle is consistently using more fuel than the rest, it might be due to mechanical issues, driver habits, or inefficiencies in the route. This is where a little data can go a long way in preventing larger costs.
When tires aren’t properly inflated, fuel efficiency drops and vehicle handling can suffer. Using built-in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) helps drivers and fleet managers catch low pressure early. It also reduces wear and tear, keeping trucks on the road longer and fuel costs lower.
As operations scale, it may be time to use a centralized fuel log across your trucks. Some local fleets also benefit from fuel card programs, which can simplify expense tracking and add spending limits per vehicle.
Fuel prices change fast and when they do, local haulers often feel it first. The best way to handle rising truck fuel costs is to prepare before they spike.
Start by reviewing your contracts. If you're locked into fixed-rate jobs, consider renegotiating to include a fuel surcharge clause that adjusts when diesel prices climb.
Look at your equipment rotation. Some trucks burn more fuel than others. Tracking fleet fuel consumption across vehicles helps you decide which units to run more often, and which might need upgrades.
If you're growing, ask the right questions before spending big:
Instead of juggling spreadsheets and guesswork, modern fleet fuel management software can handle everything from fuel tracking and dispatching to route optimization and vehicle maintenance. It gives you a clearer view of your operations and helps you make better decisions that can reduce fuel truck costs and improve overall fleet efficiency.
The more control you have over your truck fuel cost, the better your business can handle thin margins and sudden fuel price spikes. Track fleet fuel consumption over time and focus on simple, consistent actions to lower fuel use without hurting performance.
For newer operators or small fleets, getting a handle on your numbers early makes a real difference. And if you’re managing 10 or more trucks, having the right fleet management tools in place can be just as important as keeping your vehicles in shape.
Ready to run your fleet more efficiently with the help of the right system? Book a FREE demo and see how we support local hauling fleets.
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