WISCONSIN — The sharp increase of diesel prices is straining America’s transportation backbone and driving up costs for both businesses and consumers. Trucks, trains, planes, barges and farming equipment all rely on diesel fuel. The higher transportation costs trickle down, leading to increased prices for nearly everything. The higher the price of diesel goes, the more truck companies have to adjust their margins or cut back. For truck driver Andrew Sawyer of Swift Transportation, that means the raise he was hoping for isn’t coming anytime soon.
“Most of us are paid by piecemeal. We’re paid by the mile if you work for a major company,” said Sawyer. “So, some of these drivers are out here making $0.40 a mile.” Sawyer acknowledged that doesn’t go far for truckers who are also facing higher prices for everything while out on the road. He is currently on a four-week job, making multiple stops throughout the Midwest.
“Most people are putting all their money into food and their cell phone bill, and they’re broke in there. Some people are literally living in their trucks,” he added. Randall Olsen, a driver from West Allis who recently returned from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, echoed those concerns. “So, it’s basically us paying for it in the long run,” he said, noting that professional drivers are bearing the brunt of higher fuel surcharges both at work and in their personal lives. (Ed note: At the pump above, diesel costing $957.76 divided by 145.34 gallons will be $6.59 per gallon. Diesel in California is about $7.40 per gallon.) (Source)
