Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, March 18, 2025:
Fuel prices falling as Spring nears
Diesel fuel prices across the United States are trending down over the last three weeks, according to weekly data reported by the Energy Information Administration.
Since the national average hit $3.70 per gallon during the week ending Feb. 24, prices have fallen 15 cents to $3.55 a gallon during the most recent week ending March 17, which is the lowest weekly national average so far in 2025.
During the most recent week, prices fell in all regions across the country with the largest decrease being observed in the West Coast less California region, where prices dropped 5.3 cents.
[Related: Market conditions slumped to start the year, yet used-truck sales surged in February]
Following the last week’s decreases in diesel prices, California has become the only part of the country with an average price above $4 a gallon at $4.77. New England’s average is next-highest at $3.99 a gallon.
The cheapest diesel can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $3.25 per gallon, followed by the Rocky Mountain region at $3.38 per gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA:
- Central Atlantic -- $3.87
- Lower Atlantic -- $3.58
- Midwest -- $3.46
- West Coast less California -- $3.72
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the same week showed prices falling 3.3 cents to $3.57/gal.
According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $4.92, the cheapest in the Gulf Coast region at $3.23.
[Related: Fuel prices surging to begin 2025]
Three truckers named Highway Angels of the Year
The Truckload Carriers Association's Highway Angels of the Year, from left, are: Jason Corino of Melton Truck Lines, Michael Dorsey of Mercer Transportation, and Daljit Sohi of Triple Eight Transport.
Truck drivers Jason Corino of Melton Truck Lines, Michael Dorsey of Mercer Transportation, and Daljit Sohi of Triple Eight Transport have been named the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).
Winners were announced and celebrated at a luncheon awards program held this week during TCA’s annual convention in Phoenix. TCA Highway Angel sponsors EpicVue and Northland Insurance introduced the TCA Highway Angels of the Year, and each driver received standing ovations for their heroic actions.
Corino’s efforts surrounded a road rage incident on Nov. 29, 2023, while he was driving on U.S. 491 in Cortez, Colorado. He saw the incident escalate when a car was pulled over by the police. As he approached the scene, the suspect emerged from the car and opened fire on the officer. Without hesitation, Corino slammed on his brakes to stop traffic behind him, potentially saving lives. He also captured the entire incident on his truck camera, which later became crucial evidence in the investigation. Tragically, the officer succumbed to his injuries, and the suspect was later fatally shot in a confrontation with law enforcement. Corino’s bravery and quick thinking helped save lives and made him an invaluable witness in the investigation.
Dorsey’s HIghway Angel designation came after Sept. 26, 2024, when he and many others were caught up in a catastrophic flood in Erwin, Tennessee. While loading his flatbed truck at an industrial park, Dorsey became aware that floodwaters from Hurricane Helene were rapidly rising. With a nearby river swelling dangerously, Dorsey allowed 10 people to take refuge on his trailer. As the floodwaters overtook the area, Dorsey and his passengers were forced to cling to the trailer, which was eventually separated by the current. Despite being knocked unconscious, Dorsey’s determination to survive led him to save six lives. His selflessness and bravery in the face of disaster make him a true hero and TCA Highway Angel of the Year.
Sohi’s act of kindness and generosity took place on Nov. 29, 2024, while traveling from Banff to Salmon Arm in western Canada. Sohi noticed a woman unknowingly drop her purse at a rest stop while tending to her child. Inside the purse was $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, and other important personal items. Without hesitation, Sohi retrieved the purse and followed the woman and her family for three hours in an effort to return it. When he finally caught up with them and returned the purse, the woman offered him a reward, which he humbly declined. Sohi’s selfless actions in returning the purse with everything intact demonstrated clear generosity and kindness, making him a well-deserving TCA Highway Angel of the Year.
Each of these drivers will receive a complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package, which includes a 24-inch flatscreen TV, a DVR, and a one-year subscription to over 100 channels of DirecTV programming, including premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and the NFL Sunday Ticket.
$2.4M of meth seized from load of Persian limes
Packages containing nearly 269 pounds of methamphetamine were seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge.U.S. Customs and Border Protection
On March 7, CBP officers assigned to the facility encountered a tractor-trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the vehicle for inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and screening by a canine team.
Physical inspection of the conveyance resulted in officers extracting a total of 960 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 268.96 pounds (122 kg) concealed within the shipment.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation.
Pilot begins rollout of biodiesel at select locations
Pilot on Tuesday, in recognition of March 18 being National Biodiesel Day, celebrated the installation of the nation’s first B99 biodiesel retail offering for commercial fleets at its location in Decatur, Illinois.
The installation was made possible through collaboration with PepsiCo, one of North America’s largest private fleets, and ADM, a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, Pilot noted.
This development sets a milestone in sustainable energy by bringing B99 into the travel center space, helping make low-carbon solutions more accessible to fleets. B99 biodiesel is a lower-carbon fuel is manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled grease and can improve fuel efficiency and help reduce carbon emissions in commercial trucking.
Optimus Technologies, a leader in fleet sustainability innovation, enabled the rollout through its development of technology that upgrades diesel engines to operate on up to 100% biodiesel.
"We know how important sustainability is to our customers and strive to help meet these growing needs for more sustainable fuel options for commercial fleets," said Eric Fobes, head of renewables at Pilot. "Introducing B99 at our travel centers is another way we support fleets committed to reducing carbon emissions. This collaboration with PepsiCo, ADM and Optimus Technologies exemplifies how partnerships can create impactful solutions.”
Pilot’s initial rollout will feature installations of B99 biodiesel dispensing capabilities at three Pilot locations:
- Currently available at 4030 East Boyd Road, Decatur, Illinois
- Coming this spring to 11957 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
- Coming this summer to 8787 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, Texas
