Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel is one of the largest expenses for truckers, and with prices varying by region, it is important to find the best price on diesel wherever you go. Certain regions consistently offer lower prices due to factors like low state taxes, proximity to oil refineries, and competitive fuel markets. To save on diesel fuel costs, consider planning your refuelling stops in these regions, such as Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Use fuel price tracking apps and websites to stay updated on the latest diesel fuel prices in your area, and take advantage of tools like the OTR Fuel Card and Mobile App to get discounts and boost your trucking business profits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use fuel cards | OTR Fuel Card |
| Use mobile apps | OTR Mobile App, Fuel Finder |
| Plan routes according to cheaper fuel prices | Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi |
| Purchase in bulk |
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What You'll Learn
- Plan routes to take advantage of cheaper diesel prices in certain states
- Use fuel price tracking apps and websites to stay updated
- Consider purchasing diesel in bulk to lock in lower prices
- Use fuel cards and mobile apps to get discounts
- Refuel in states with low state taxes and competitive fuel markets
Plan routes to take advantage of cheaper diesel prices in certain states
Fuel prices, especially diesel, have a significant impact on our daily spending habits and can make vacations unaffordable for some. This is especially true for those in the trucking industry, as the average trucker travels over 100,000 miles per year, and modern trucks average 6.5 miles per gallon. As a result, each truck consumes over 15,000 gallons of diesel annually, so even small price differences can add up to substantial savings.
Planning routes to take advantage of cheaper diesel prices in specific states can help save money. Here are some tips to consider when planning your route:
- Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Georgia, Missouri, and Alabama are known for having some of the lowest diesel prices in the country. These states also tend to have lower gasoline prices, so you can benefit from savings on both fuels.
- Keep an eye on regional trends and price fluctuations. While altering your route to exclusively pass through the cheapest states may not always be feasible, you can still benefit from planning fuel stops in states with consistently lower prices.
- Utilize tools like GasBuddy or the American Automobile Association's (AAA) gas price tracker to monitor and compare diesel prices across different states and plan your fuel stops accordingly.
- Consider signing up for programs like EZ Freight's diesel discount program, which can provide additional savings on diesel fuel purchases.
- Be mindful of the dates and seasons when planning your route. For example, diesel prices in tourist destinations may fluctuate during peak travel seasons.
By incorporating these strategies into your route planning, you can optimize your fuel costs and take advantage of the cheapest diesel prices across different states. Remember to stay informed about the latest price updates, as diesel prices are subject to continuous change.
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Use fuel price tracking apps and websites to stay updated
Fuel price tracking apps and websites are a great way to stay updated on the latest prices and find cheap diesel fuel. These digital tools provide fast and free updates on fuel prices in your area, allowing you to make informed decisions about when and where to fill up.
One popular option is Fuelio, a fuel logging app that helps you track your mileage, gas consumption, and gas costs. It also provides information about gas stations and their prices, allowing you to find the best deals. Fuelio is available for both Android and iOS devices and has received positive reviews for its ease of use and customisation options.
In Australia, there are several government-run and third-party apps that provide fuel price information. For example, Western Australia has FuelWatch, and the Northern Territory has MyFuel NT, both of which are accessible via web browsers on mobile devices. Queensland and South Australia allow third-party developers to access their fuel price databases, resulting in apps like PetrolSpy, Fuel Map Australia, MotorMouth, and Simples. These apps offer features such as price drop notifications, tips on saving fuel, and pricing trends.
Additionally, some states in Australia have their own fuel-tracking apps. For instance, New South Wales has FuelCheck, which provides accurate fuel price information directly from the government database.
By utilising these fuel price tracking apps and websites, you can easily stay updated on the latest diesel fuel prices and make informed decisions to save money on your fuel purchases.
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Consider purchasing diesel in bulk to lock in lower prices
If you're looking to buy cheap diesel fuel, one strategy to consider is purchasing diesel in bulk. Buying in bulk can help you lock in lower prices and save money in the long run. This strategy is often used by farms and other businesses that rely on diesel fuel for their operations.
For example, a user on Reddit shared that they saved $300 right before an oil price increase by buying 600 gallons of diesel in bulk. Similarly, farms that require a large volume of diesel fuel can benefit from bulk purchasing, as they can secure lower prices for their fuel needs.
When considering bulk diesel purchases, it's essential to find a reliable supplier who can provide high-quality diesel at competitive prices. One such supplier is SC Fuels, which has been in the fuel delivery business for decades and serves a wide range of industries. They offer custom delivery solutions and are committed to helping their customers maximize their savings.
Additionally, when buying diesel in bulk, it's important to maintain and manage your fuel stores properly. This includes regular maintenance of your tanks to ensure the diesel fuel remains clean and does not compromise equipment efficiency. Managing your records is also crucial to staying on top of your resources. If you're in a rural or remote location, you may need to engage specialist services for bulk fuel storage and refuelling.
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Use fuel cards and mobile apps to get discounts
Using fuel cards and mobile apps is a great way to get discounts on diesel fuel. Fuel cards, as opposed to credit cards, often offer cash prices for fuel, which can mean savings of 10 to 60 cents per gallon or more. Many fuel cards also offer fraud protection and tracking features, and some even provide volume discounts and cashback rewards.
There are a variety of fuel cards available, each with its own unique benefits. For example, the Pilot fuel discount program offers high savings and exclusive perks at Pilot and Flying J travel centres, with over 750 locations across the US and Canada, while Comdata Fuel Cards offer discounts and rebates at thousands of gas stations across the US. WEX Fleet Fuel Cards are another popular option, with a 95% coverage rate, spending reports, and an app that includes a station locator and mobile payment options.
When choosing a fuel card, it's important to consider your unique needs, such as the locations you can use the card and the features it offers for fraud protection and tracking. You should also look for high rewards and low costs, such as annual fees or a lack of discounts at convenient locations.
In addition to fuel cards, there are also mobile apps that can help you find the cheapest diesel fuel. For example, the OTR Solutions Mobile App has a Fuel Finder feature that provides real-time information on diesel fuel prices at participating truck stops and service stations nationwide. This can help you locate the most cost-effective places to refuel.
By using fuel cards and mobile apps, you can save a significant amount of money on diesel fuel and stay competitive in the market.
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Refuel in states with low state taxes and competitive fuel markets
As of 2025, state taxes and fees on diesel fuel averaged $0.35 per gallon, but this figure varies across states. The federal tax on diesel fuel is $0.244 per gallon, but the total tax in a state is a combination of the federal tax and the state tax. As such, refuelling in states with low state taxes can be a good way to save money on diesel fuel.
The three states with the lowest diesel fuel taxes are Alaska ($0.0895/gal), Mississippi ($0.1840/gal), and Hawaii ($0.1850/gal). These states also have the lowest gasoline taxes, suggesting that they have competitive fuel markets. By refuelling in these states, you can take advantage of the lower taxes and potentially save a significant amount of money, especially if you regularly purchase large quantities of diesel fuel.
It is worth noting that fuel tax rates can change over time, so it is important to stay informed about the latest tax rates before planning your refuelling strategy. Additionally, when considering the cost of diesel fuel, it is important to factor in other variables such as the distance travelled to reach these states and the availability of cheaper fuel stations in your local area.
While refuelling in states with low state taxes can be a effective strategy, it may not always be the most convenient or cost-effective option. Balancing the potential savings with the practicality of your situation is key. For example, if you live near a state border, refuelling in a neighbouring state with lower taxes may be a viable option. However, if you live far away from any states with low diesel fuel taxes, the additional travel costs may outweigh the savings on fuel.
In conclusion, refuelling in states with low state taxes and competitive fuel markets can be a viable strategy to obtain cheap diesel fuel. By taking advantage of lower taxes in states like Alaska, Mississippi, and Hawaii, you can reduce your overall fuel costs. However, it is important to stay informed about tax rate changes and consider the practicality of your specific situation when deciding where to refuel.
Frequently asked questions
Use apps like the OTR Mobile App or websites to stay updated on diesel fuel prices in your area. These tools can help you spot trends and identify the best times and places to fill up.
Plan your routes to take advantage of states or regions with consistently cheaper diesel. For example, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi are known for offering some of the lowest diesel prices in the country due to their proximity to oil refineries, low state taxes, and competitive fuel markets.
If you have the storage capacity, consider purchasing diesel in bulk to lock in lower prices and reduce your overall fuel expenses.
Yes, several tools can help truckers manage their fuel costs effectively, such as the Fuel Finder inside the OTR Mobile App, which helps locate nearby fuel stations with the lowest diesel prices.
Fuel prices can fluctuate daily and are influenced by factors such as state taxes, proximity to oil refineries, and competition in the fuel market.
