Welcome to the Fuel Matters Blog

If you drive the major highways anywhere in the United States, you are certainly aware of toll highways. Tolls not only increase the cost of passenger car trips but also impact the freight cost to transport products by truck throughout the United States. The toll money collected from toll payments helps pay for road maintenance, rest areas, grass mowing, road salting and snow removal (in the northern states). States are rapidly investing in toll booth modernization and the implementation of cashless toll booths, E-Z Pass technology and license plate photos are all ways to reduce toll collection costs and increase the flow of traffic for all vehicles. 

Monday September 23, 2019 was officially the first day of autumn. It won’t be long before overnight temperatures in the northeast drop into the 30’s and begin to impact vehicle operating performance. The winter season will soon follow and bring us the annual snow, ice, and freezing rain that will make travelling on the highways an adventure.

The increase in truck driver shortages could be a serious problem for the U.S. economy in the future. Driver shortages were up 20% in 2018 and this trend is continuing in 2019. Within the next decade, United States industries could see the highest driver shortage in U.S. history.

As the summer driving season shifts into high gear, consumers are well aware of gasoline prices and the impact the price will have on their summer travels. Although gasoline makes up 90% of the gallons we purchase for our vehicles, the product that makes up the additional 10% (Ethanol) can have a big impact on the price we pay.