Diesel prices reverse course, jump back over $5/gal | Cummins hydrogen engine gets first fitment in tractors

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Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022:

Diesel prices surge back above $5/gal national average

Following nine consecutive weeks of decreases that saw diesel prices fall an average of 90 cents nationwide, the U.S.’ national average for a gallon of on-highway diesel jumped by 20.6 cents during the week ending Aug. 29, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration.

Diesel’s national average is now back above $5 at $5.12 per gallon.

The increase was seen across the country with all regions seeing a rise in prices, but the most dramatic increase was observed in the Midwest, which is home to BP’s Whiting, Indiana, refinery that has been shut down since Aug. 24 due to a fire.

Prices increased by 28.2 cents in the Midwest – the largest increase across the country – followed by a 20.2-cent increase in the Gulf Coast region.

The U.S.’ most expensive diesel can be found in California at $6.20 per gallon, followed by the West Coast less California at $5.30 per gallon.

The cheapest fuel is in the Gulf Coast region at $4.82 per gallon, followed by the Rocky Mountain region at $4.97 per gallon.

Prices in other regions, according to EIA, are:

  • New England -- $5.18
  • Central Atlantic -- $5.23
  • Lower Atlantic $4.99
  • Midwest -- $5.17

ProMiles’ numbers during the same week saw fuel prices increase by 2 cents, bringing its national average to $5.01 per gallon.

According to ProMiles’ Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $6.27 per gallon, and the cheapest can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $4.65 per gallon. 

Cummins, Buhler Industries ink hydrogen deal

Cummins Inc. and Buhler Industries, a tractor manufacturer under the Versatile brand, announced plans to integrate the Cummins 15-liter hydrogen engine in Versatile’s equipment. The two companies have been partners since 1967, when Versatile began using Cummins engines exclusively in all its four-wheel drive tractors. 

This engine is built on Cummins’ new fuel-agnostic platform, where below the head gasket each fuel type’s engine has largely similar components, and above the head gasket, each has different components for different fuel types. 

Wabash expands footprint with new dealer partnerships

Wabash has announced it has added two dealers to its North American dealer network. 

Two of the largest dealers in the Northeast, Bergey’s Truck Centers and Allegiance Trucks, will be full line dealers of Wabash parts, services and equipment, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies and platform trailers. 

“By further developing our dealer relationships, Wabash can build off of our brands to grow our footprint and further connect our products and services to improve the operations of our customers,” said Kevin Page, Wabash’s senior vice president, customer value creation. 

Based in Stamford, Conn., Allegiance Trucks is one of the fastest growing commercial truck dealers in the country with more than 41 locations in nine states. Allegiance Trucks offers new and used medium- to heavy-duty trucks, parts and services. Allegiance Trucks will be representing Wabash in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island as well as parts of New York and New Jersey.  

Bergey's is a family-owned company operating 15 truck centers and eight truck parts locations across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, as well as a heavy-duty parts warehouse in Telford, Pennsylvania. In addition, Bergey’s also operates 10 automotive dealership locations, extending their commercial offerings to include automotive and light duty pick-up trucks and vans.

Arrive Logistics expands into San Antonio

Digital brokerage and 3PL Arrive Logistics announced earlier this month its expansion to San Antonio. The company's new office opened July 11 to an initial cohort of employees, with room to accommodate 350 employees in the Alamo City.

The San Antonio office opening is a continuation of Arrive's strategic expansion goals, fueled by more than $300 million in funds raised in 2021. To support its growth and better serve its customers, carriers and employees, Arrive is on track to hire 2,200 employees for the 2022 and 2023 calendar years, nearly doubling its size, and plans to open an additional office in Tampa in the coming months.

"While our business continues to grow at a rapid pace, our focus remains on hiring talented people and providing them with the learning and development tools needed to build a career at Arrive and in the logistics industry," said J-Ann Tio, Chief Strategy Officer. "Arrive is a people-first organization and it's imperative that our collaborative, energetic and driven culture is representative across all our locations.”

Arrive's San Antonio location, a 27,000 square foot office space, features a modern open office layout and room for expansive training facilities, similar in design and functionality to the company's 120,000-plus square foot headquarters in Austin. The office space is designed to create a collaborative and productive work environment for employees.