Texas drivers continue to feel the strain of higher gas prices, and drivers who depend on diesel are no exception.
According to the AAA, the price of diesel in Texas has jumped around $2 since this time last year. In an industry that is responsible for moving most consumer goods, it’s becoming a big problem for drivers and companies.
For truck driver Christopher Guidry, it costs about $1,000 to fill up the rig he drives.
“It’s crazy how high it is,” Guidry said. “I would figure it’d be going down by now.”
Guidry explained that as a company driver, he doesn’t directly pay the cost, but that’s not the case for many owners and operators of trucking companies. As the owner of ATX Trucking Corp, Stefan Niksic said he immediately feels the price at the pump.
Until a few months ago, he said weekly fuel costs came anywhere from $1,300 to $2,500.
“Nowadays, $2,500 would be our minimum,” said Niksic.
The Texas Trucking Association said the trucking industry represents 1 of every 14 jobs in the state.
“About 89% of all freight comes exclusively on a truck,” said association president and CEO John Esparza.
Ultimately, he said the higher diesel prices will pass to customers.
“We all feel this in our own pocketbooks when we’re buying anything at the grocery store or buying anything at the retail outlets,” Esparza said.