Diesel Prices Hurt Truck Drivers
By: Lauren Murphy
Updated: March 10, 2008
The high price of diesel fuel is hard on truck drivers, especially when that money comes of their own pockets.
"I have a small tank so a regular fill-up would be about seven hundred dollars," said Berto Gaither, an owner-operator.
Gaither has been in the trucking industry for fourteen years, and eight years ago, he bought his own truck.
"Back then fuel prices were about a dollar and a quarter a gallon. I never in my wildest dreams imagined $3.80 a gallon. It's a struggle."
Gaither knows he's not the only one hurting at the pump.
"The drivers start out hurting worse. Then, it goes to the shippers Then it goes to the customers."
Even still Gaither is looking on the bright side.
"I enjoy the freedom. I enjoy seeing the country. I can run how I want to run. I can be home when I want to be home, instead of being dictated where you're going and how long you have to get there."
And you can't put a price on that.
