Soaring Fuel Costs Squeeze South Florida Truckers

Fluctuating diesel prices force long-haul drivers to adjust routes and habits to save on fuel

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:08am

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and clean lines in shades of gray, blue, and orange to conceptually represent the economic pressures and fluctuating fuel prices impacting the trucking industry in South Florida.Soaring fuel costs force South Florida truckers to adapt routes and habits to stay afloat.Today in Miami

As fuel prices continue to rise and fluctuate across the country, long-haul truck drivers in South Florida are feeling the pinch, with one driver reporting spending $2,500 more on fuel this past month. The conflict in Iran is cited as a key factor impacting prices, which have reached an average of $5.54 per gallon of diesel in Florida, significantly higher than the $3.43 average a year ago. Trucking companies and driving instructors are advising drivers to adapt by limiting idle time, planning routes strategically, and potentially shifting schedules to avoid rush hour traffic.

Why it matters

The rising and fluctuating fuel costs are squeezing the budgets of long-haul truck drivers, who are essential to the freight and logistics industry that underpins the South Florida economy. If these costs continue to climb, it could lead to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and financial strain on small trucking companies.

The details

Steven Maclean, a long-haul truck driver, says he has spent $2,500 more on fuel this past month hauling supplies from Canada to South Florida and across the U.S. Maclean noted he has seen different diesel prices in each state he has traveled to, with Florida's average of $5.54 per gallon being the 'best' he's seen compared to other states like Maine, where prices have reached $6 per gallon. Al Hanley, who works at a CDL school that trains truck drivers, advises techniques to limit fuel usage, such as reducing idle time, planning routes to avoid rush hour traffic, and potentially operating at different times of the day or on weekends.

  • As of Saturday, AAA reported Florida's average diesel fuel price at $5.54 a gallon.
  • A year ago, the average diesel price in the region was $3.43 per gallon.

The players

Steven Maclean

A long-haul truck driver who has spent $2,500 more on fuel this past month hauling supplies from Canada to South Florida and across the U.S.

Al Hanley

An instructor at a CDL school that trains truck drivers, who teaches techniques to limit fuel usage such as reducing idle time and planning routes to avoid rush hour traffic.

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What they’re saying

“You don't plan for anything extra, that's for sure. You barely pay yourself.”

— Steven Maclean, Long-haul truck driver

“Idle time is a killer, so if they're stuck in traffic, and the truck is running and it's doing miles, that hurts them. Planning your routes better—maybe operating at different times of the day, overnights, or weekends—and maybe not driving during rush hour if they can avoid it.”

— Al Hanley, Instructor at CDL school

What’s next

Trucking companies and industry experts will continue to monitor fuel price fluctuations and advise drivers on strategies to mitigate the financial impact. Policymakers may also consider interventions to stabilize fuel costs or provide relief for the freight industry.

The takeaway

The rising and unpredictable fuel costs are putting significant strain on long-haul truck drivers in South Florida, forcing them to adjust their driving habits and schedules to save on expenses. This economic pressure on a critical industry could have ripple effects across the regional supply chain and consumer prices if the trend continues.