Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, June 17, 2025:
Diesel up 12 cents since hitting nearly 4-year low
Diesel fuel prices during the last two weeks have jumped 12 cents, according to numbers released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
EIA reported a 2-cent increase during the week ending June 9, followed by a 10-cent increase during the most recent week ending June 16. The U.S.’ average for a gallon of on-highway diesel is now $3.57. It's still 16 cents cheaper than the same week a year ago.
During the most recent week, fuel prices jumped in every region across the country. The biggest increases were seen in the West Coast less California region, which saw a 13.8-cent jump, and the Lower Atlantic region, where prices jumped 13.3 cents.
California still remains the only state/region with average prices above $4/gal, with an average of $4.78 per gallon. The cheapest diesel is in the Gulf Coast region at $3.21/gal.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA:
- New England -- $3.90
- Central Atlantic -- $3.78
- Lower Atlantic -- $3.53
- Midwest -- $3.54
- Rocky Mountain -- $3.55
- West Coast less California -- $3.90
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the same week showed prices increase by just a penny to $3.47/gal. According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $4.96, the cheapest in the Gulf Coast region at $3.11.
Spot market rates for the week were a mixed bag, with reefer rates increasing toward their typical midyear peak, and flatbed and dry van declining, according to the Truckstop load board and FTR Transportation Intelligence.
Fuel price hikes could portend rates increases this week. Adjust your cost inputs for the hikes and game out load scenarios via Overdrive's Load Profit Analyzer via this link.
[Related: Get dinged during Roadcheck? Delay comes with a cost]
Trucking company owners plead guilty to pandemic loan fraud
An Ohio couple who were owners or associates of multiple transportation companies pleaded guilty recently to committing wire fraud to obtain pandemic relief funds.
Ajay Chawla, 60, and his wife, Ruhi Chawla, 50, admitted that they fraudulently received more than $900,000 in pandemic relief funds. Specifically, they received four Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loans and three Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
According to their court documents, on their loan applications, the Chawlas falsely reported the number of employees and gross revenues for their businesses: Prime Transportation and Logistics Inc., ABC Trucking Inc., Apex Truck Lines LLC and A1 Diesel Truck Repair LLC. Ajay Chawla also submitted a false statement to Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding the ownership of Apex Truck Lines.
“Today’s guilty pleas underscore our steadfast commitment to identifying and addressing fraud that undermines the integrity of Department of Transportation programs and requirements,” said Anthony Licari, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region. “Greed has no place in pandemic relief programs, and together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to hold offenders accountable.”
The couple were charged in March 2025. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
[Related: Card-skimming diesel-theft ring busted in Florida]
