Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, April 26, 2022:
Diesel jumped nearly 6 cents last week
Diesel fuel prices during the week ending April 25 increased by 5.9 cents, bringing the U.S.’ national average to $5.16 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration.
The increase follows a 2.9-cent jump during the week ending April 18. Fuel prices are up $1.55 since the beginning of 2022.
During the most recent week, prices increased in all regions, with the most significant hike in the West Coast less California region, where prices jumped 6.8 cents.
The nation’s cheapest fuel can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $4.916 per gallon, followed by the Midwest at $4.987 per gallon.
The most expensive fuel is in California at $6.277 per gallon, followed by the Central Atlantic region at $5.40 per gallon.
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Prices in other regions, according to EIA, are:
- New England — $5.24
- Lower Atlantic — $5.086
- Rocky Mountain — $5.154
- West Coast less California — $5.346
JIT Truck Parts adds Peterson lighting to catalog
National aftermarket truck parts distributor JIT Truck Parts has added Peterson Manufacturing’s commercial vehicle and trailer LED lighting and wiring harness systems into its parts catalogue.
Peterson offers exterior, interior and work light LED lighting technology. The lights are vibration resistant with a low current-draw, boasting a longer life then the traditional halogen and incandescent lights, the company said. In addition, LED lights are simple to install and long life reduces the cost of replacing lights over time.
Peterson offers a wide range of OE and aftermarket safety lighting products including a broad line of exterior work lights as well as interior and cargo lights.
[Related: Out-of-service violations for lights and hours of service]
I-10 lane closures planned this week in Phoenix
Drivers whose loads will take them across I-10 near Phoenix at night this week should prepare for lane closures and other possible overnight restrictions while crews install new pavement markings, including diamond-shaped HOV lane decals, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The left two lanes along westbound I-10 between 24th and Seventh streets will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights (April 25-26). The left two lanes along eastbound I-10 between Seventh and 24th streets are scheduled to be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday nights (April 27-28). Schedules are subject to change as crews make progress during the overnight work.
The pavement marking upgrades follow recent work to apply a sealant to extend the life of the I-10 pavement in the downtown region. Drivers also should prepare for brief rolling closures, if necessary, along other lanes in the same areas as the pavement markings installation is completed. Law enforcement officers will slow or stop traffic as needed for work to take place.