Diesel Price Surge in 2025: How It’s Impacting Freight Rates for Small Fleets

Diesel prices have surged to over $5.80/gallon in many states, hitting small fleets and independent truckers the hardest. With fuel being over 30% of total operating costs, many drivers are being forced to turn down loads that no longer pay enough to profit.

Effects on the Industry:

• Spot market rates are not keeping up with diesel increases

• Owner-operators are seeing tighter margins and late pay

• Some small fleets are exiting the industry or consolidating

How to Survive:

• Use fuel cards and apps to find the lowest regional prices

• Negotiate fuel surcharges into every load contract

• Consider regional routes that require fewer fuel stops

Ghost Dog Insight:This diesel spike isn’t just a temporary pain—it’s shifting the whole power structure in freight. Small fleets must adapt fast or risk being priced out.