Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, March 23, 2022:
Diesel prices fall after two weeks of record gains
After two weeks that saw diesel prices increase by more than $1.14, the U.S.’ national average saw a decrease during the week ending March 21, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration’s weekly update.
The national average for a gallon of on-highway diesel is now $5.134, an 11.6-cent decrease from the previous week. The previous two weeks, prices increased by 74.5 cents and 40.1 cents to jump from a $4.104 during the week ending Feb. 28 to $5.25 during the week ending March 14.
During the most recent week, prices decreased in all regions across the country, with the most significant decrease being seen in the Central Atlantic region, where prices fell by 17.1 cents. The Lower Atlantic region saw the second-largest decrease, with prices falling by 15.4 cents.
The nation’s most expensive fuel is in California at $6.218 per gallon, followed by the West Coast less California region at $5.319.
The cheapest diesel can be found in the Rocky Mountain region at $4.887 per gallon, followed by the Midwest region at $5.959 per gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA, are:
- New England — $5.125
- Central Atlantic — $5.303
- Lower Atlantic — $5.110
- Gulf Coast — $4.964
ProMiles’ numbers during the same week saw fuel prices increase by 10.8 cents, bringing its national average to $5.043 per gallon.
According to ProMiles’ Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $6.197 per gallon, and the cheapest can be found in the Rocky Mountain region at $4.863 per gallon.
Pilot raising money for Ukrainian humanitarian crisis
Now through April 3, Pilot travel centers are raising funds through an in-store round-up campaign for Save the Children US, a global humanitarian organization working to meet the needs of children and their families in Ukraine.
Save the Children is distributing emergency supplies in Ukraine and the region and establishing safe spaces for children where possible.
Pilot is also be matching up to $100,000 of donations raised as part of a commitment to giving back to communities on a local and global scale.
Pilot is asking customers to consider joining it in providing aid to Save the Children by rounding up your purchase to the nearest dollar when you make purchases at any of their travel centers.
Save the Children estimates more than 2.8 million Ukrainians have fled their country since Russia began its attack in late February.
Driver named Highway Angel for helping save stranded motorist
The Truckload Carriers Association has named Dave Stuckey, from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, a Highway Angel for coaxing a motorist whose car had stalled in an intersection and caught fire.
Dave Stuckey
He found this odd, as the car was not waiting for the red light, but instead was “stalled” in the lane after it had already made it through the light.
Stuckey said that he noticed some sparks under the car that concerned him, so he called 911. He quickly got out of his truck and went over to the car to talk to the male driver who was sitting inside.
Stuckey said the driver seemed to be shocked and kept saying he had to get going, but Stuckey told him he needed to get out of the car, because he was worried about the sparks.
Without a moment to spare, the man quickly hopped out and immediately, to both of their surprise, the car erupted in flames. A minute or so later, the car was completely engulfed. The whole incident happened very quickly.
Stuckey has been with Ward Trucking since 1977 and has been recognized many times for his exemplary safe driving history. His vigilance in seeking help for the driver of the sparking car, as well as convincing him to exit the vehicle, illustrates his strong character and integrity. If it had not been for Stuckey, the driver may have perished in the car fire.
TCA has presented Stuckey with a certificate, patches, lapel pin, and truck decals. Ward Trucking has also received a letter acknowledging him as a Highway Angel.
