Fueling the Future: Diesel Price Trends & Reefer Fuel Realities

Over the past six months, diesel fuel prices in the U.S. have seen a steady climb. In April 2025, prices hovered around $3.85 per gallon, rising to $4.15 by August. Forecasts suggest this upward trend will continue, with prices expected to reach $4.40 per gallon by December 


This increase impacts every aspect of trucking operations—from linehaul costs to reefer fuel consumption, which is often not fully accounted for in fuel surcharges.

The Hidden Cost of Refrigerated Trailers

Refrigerated trailers (reefers) are essential for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, but they come with a significant fuel cost. Most reefers operate in one of two modes:
  • Continuous Mode: Burns approximately 1 gallon of diesel per hour
  • Start/Stop Mode: Burns approximately 0.4 gallons per hour
Over a 24-hour period, this translates to:
  • 24 gallons/day in continuous mode
  • 9.6 gallons/day in start/stop mode
Holding a load for multiple days can quickly add up:

For example, a 5-day hold in continuous mode burns 120 gallons, which at $4.15/gallon adds $498 in fuel costs—often not covered by standard fuel surcharges, which typically only account for transit fuel.

Road Scholar Transport: Precision in Every Mile

At Road Scholar Transport, we understand that every gallon counts. While some carriers overlook reefer fuel costs, we factor in every detail to ensure transparency and sustainability.
As fuel prices rise and operational costs grow, Road Scholar remains focused on delivering value, safety, and integrity—mile after mile.

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