Fuel Prices Leap 17 Spots to Become Trucking's No. 1 Concern

Fuel prices jumped 17 positions to become trucking's top concern in the American Transportation Research Institute's 2026 Top Industry Issues survey. Heavy Duty Trucking reported October 19 that the economy, which led the ranking for three years, fell to sixth. Lawsuit abuse reform ranked second, followed by Compliance, Safety, Accountability; insurance cost and availability; and the driver shortage.

Nearly 3,100 people participated in ATRI's 22nd annual survey. Motor carrier executives and personnel represented 48.5% of respondents, drivers 25.8% and other industry stakeholders 25.7%. Thirty percent selected fuel among their three leading issues. Carrier respondents put lawsuit abuse reform first and fuel second, while drivers ranked fuel first, truck parking second and compensation third. Company drivers and owner-operators also reported different priorities.

The ranking reflects pressure that fuel surcharges do not fully absorb. Delayed adjustments, empty miles and uncovered operations can leave carriers exposed when diesel rises quickly. ATRI's separate operating-cost research placed 2025 non-fuel expenses at a record $1.854 per mile, so a fuel shock lands on budgets already carrying high labor, insurance, maintenance and equipment costs.

Fleets should treat the survey as a planning signal, not a price forecast or policy change. Review surcharge timing by customer, measure empty miles, compare fuel purchases by route and make sure owner-operator settlements explain fuel calculations clearly. Drivers can reduce avoidable consumption through safe speed management, tire-pressure checks and lower idle time without sacrificing required rest or safety. The survey also shows why parking, compensation and retention remain operational issues even when they do not lead the combined list.