Driver costs now outstrip fuel expenses for most fleets, ATRI report says. (Photo by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)

ATRI: Low fuel prices cut trucking costs in 2015

Sept. 26, 2016
Average marginal cost per mile dropped 6% to $1.59 in 2015, based on data gathered directly from motor carriers, group says.

A new report compiled by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) indicates average marginal cost per mile declined 6% in 2015 versus 2014 due almost completely to low diesel fuel prices.

The group said average marginal cost per mile dropped to $1.59 in 2015, down from $1.70 in 2014 – largely attributed to the steady fall in diesel prices experienced last year.

Yet ATRI also pointed out that driver costs – including their wages and benefits – first time since the group began collecting such data in 2008 now represents a higher percentage of overall trucking costs than diesel fuel.

One new addition ATRI’s report this year centers on fleet-wide fuel economy, fleet operating speeds, plus the relationship between speed limiter use and fuel economy.

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