As if the American consumer hasn’t had it hard enough over the past few years with rising rents, rising food prices, product shortages, and the other ramifications of COVID-19, we’re now seeing surging gas prices across the nation. These rising prices are bad news for inflation and the American consumer’s purse strings!
Gas Prices Continue to Rise Throughout US
According to data from AAA, the national average for gasoline has jumped to over $4.30. The diesel average across the country is now much higher at $5.52 as of May 9, 2022. These figures are bad news for those looking for relief at the pumps.
Diesel Prices Causing Product Prices to Jump
Nearly everything that reaches our homes and businesses, whether food, products, energy, and much more, all rely on fuel. As a result of fuel prices continuing to rise, these additional costs fall on the consumer. These rising prices have continued to cause inflation to surge over the past few months.
Shocking Inflation Statistics to Keep an Eye On
The Labor Department reported that the consumer price index, which tracks inflation, catapulted 8.5% in March of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. This jolt is the highest single-year jump since 1981. This index considers the rising costs of gasoline, food, energy, and much more.
How Transportation Companies Can Help Curb Diesel Prices
While transportation companies can’t cause diesel prices to drop directly, there are a few things these companies can do to at least minimize the massive spike in prices that they see at the pumps. A few of these tactics include:
- Load correctly – Be sure that your shipments are secure and evenly distributed to help reduce drag, which can drive up fuel consumption. Using polyester cord strapping from Strapping-Products.com can ensure your loads are properly and evenly distributed to make your transportation loads as cost-effective and worry-free as possible.
- Reduce idling – Transportation companies should instruct their drivers to minimize idling by turning off their engines while waiting or performing deliveries and while stuck in traffic for long periods.
- Monitor braking and acceleration patterns – The US Department of Transportation indicates that driver behavior has a lot to do with fuel efficiency. A DOT report stated that there could be a 35% difference in fuel efficiency between a good and poor driver.
- Proper fleet maintenance – Keeping your trucks properly maintained can also impact fuel economy. Setting up a regular maintenance schedule to ensure proactive maintenance can improve fuel savings.
Interested in Learning More About Optimizing Your Transportation Loads Due to Rising Fuel Costs?
If you’re looking for additional ways to offset your increased fuel expenses, feel free to reach out to the team at Strapping-Products.com. We have a wide variety of polyester cord strapping and other strapping supplies to ensure all of your loads are adequately secured to help cut fuel costs. To learn more about our extensive experience in the transportation industry, as well as our commitment to the highest level of customer service, give us a call today at 888-803-8140, or send us an email at info@strapping-products.com .
