Date: July 1, 2025
The latest American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) report shows a mixed bag for trucking: while fuel costs eased in 2024, carriers remain under intense pressure from persistently low freight rates and soaring operating expenses.
Fuel Relief—But Only a Small One
- Fuel costs per mile dropped by $0.07, bringing total operating costs to $2.26/mile in 2024—a slight 0.4% reduction vs. 2023 .
- Once fuel is stripped out, non-fuel costs jumped 3.6% to a record $1.779/mile .
What’s Driving Costs Up?
Record-high increases in key expense categories included:
- Driver wages +2.4%
- Truck/trailer payments +8.3%
- Driver benefits +4.8%
- Also, insurance, tires, and tolls surged to new highs .
What That Means for Drivers & Fleets
- Trucker take-home? Thinner margins mean less room for bonuses or pay hikes, especially if rates stay flat. Truckload carriers saw a –2.3% operating margin .
- Fewer trucks on the road: Carriers cut capacity by 2.2%, fleet sizes shrank, and empty miles climbed to 16.7%.
- Tighter staffing: Fleets reduced non-driving roles by 6.8%, and drivers per truck fell to 0.93 .
How Drivers Can Stay Ahead
- Track your productivity – With thin margins, efficiency counts. Focus on minimizing deadhead miles and dwell times.
- Master load options – Consider LTL or other backhaul work to stay profitable.
- Engage your carrier – Open dialogue about performance-based pay, routing support, and bonus opportunities.
- Control your spend – Monitor tire wear, preventive maintenance, and idle reduction habits to cut costs.
Final Word
Yes, fuel is a tiny sigh of relief—but skyrocketing non-fuel costs and contract rate pressure mean drivers and fleets must double down on efficiency, strategic planning, and communication to survive and thrive.
📢 At Extra Transportation, we’re here to help drivers navigate these challenges—from smarter routing to performance tips. Questions about maximizing your miles or keeping expenses low? We’ve got your back.