Rising gas prices squeeze Pennsylvania trucking company

Mustang Expediting says profitability is 'practically running on empty' due to soaring fuel costs

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:04pm

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For more than 40 years, Mustang Expediting in Aston, Pennsylvania has been transporting household items and materials across the Northeast. But the small trucking company is now feeling the squeeze of rising gas prices, with its general manager saying fuel costs are 'really hitting the bottom line of small trucking companies across America'.

Why it matters

The surge in gas prices, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, is putting significant financial pressure on small businesses like Mustang Expediting that rely heavily on fuel for their operations. As these costs get passed on to consumers, it could further contribute to broader economic inflation.

The details

Mustang Expediting has a fleet of 26 trucks that run on diesel fuel. The company's general manager, Wes Stratford, says fuel is one of their top three costs and the recent price hikes are severely impacting profitability. In the Philadelphia area, gas prices have jumped over $1 per gallon, or about 34%, since the end of February. Stratford is closely monitoring the company's cash flow and says the increases will have to be passed on to customers, and then ultimately to consumers as well.

  • The national average price of gas has jumped to more than $4 a gallon for the first time in more than three years.
  • In the Philadelphia 5-county area, prices are up $1 a gallon, or about 34%, since the end of February when the conflict in the Middle East began.

The players

Mustang Expediting

A small trucking company in Aston, Pennsylvania that has been transporting household items and materials across the Northeast for over 40 years.

Wes Stratford

The general manager of Mustang Expediting who says the rising fuel costs are 'really hitting the bottom line of small trucking companies across America'.

Jasmine Glick

A worker for a ride share company who is feeling the impact of higher gas prices, noting that it now costs her $45 to fill up her tank compared to $20-$25 previously.

Jana Tidwell

A spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic who says the price increase in the Philadelphia area is costing motorists an extra $12 to $16 to fill up their tanks compared to a month ago.

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What they’re saying

“Fuel is probably our top three costs in this company, and these increases are really hitting the bottom line of small trucking companies across America.”

— Wes Stratford, General Manager, Mustang Expediting

“In the Philadelphia 5-county area it is now costing motorists between $12 and $16 more to fill up their tank than it did just one month ago.”

— Jana Tidwell, Spokesperson, AAA Mid-Atlantic

“I could fill up my gas tank with about $20-$25, now I'm more like $45.”

— Jasmine Glick

What’s next

Mustang Expediting's general manager Wes Stratford says the company is closely monitoring its cash flow and will have to pass on the increased fuel costs to customers, which will ultimately impact consumers as well. With no timeframe on how long prices will continue to rise, Stratford has pulled back on hiring new employees and investing in equipment for the time being.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices is putting significant financial pressure on small businesses like Mustang Expediting that rely heavily on fuel for their operations. As these costs get passed on to consumers, it could further contribute to broader economic inflation, highlighting the ripple effects of rising energy prices on the broader economy.