For most carriers, fuel is the single biggest operating cost—often more than truck payments or insurance combined. And Diesel prices swing week to week, varying by more than a dollar per gallon from one region to another. Knowing where and how to buy fuel can make or break your bottom line.
The good news: saving on diesel isn’t about chasing the lowest sign price at random truck stops. It’s about understanding how the U.S. diesel market works, knowing which regions consistently offer cheaper prices, and utilizing the right tools and fuel cards to secure rebates, track costs, and plan smarter routes.
In this guide, we’ll break down all of that to help you manage fuel costs strategically and how Summar Financial’s fuel card helps truckers and fleets not only find the best price, but keep their cash flow steady mile after mile.
The US Diesel Market Overview
The U.S. diesel market in 2025 has seen average prices fluctuate between $3.57 and $3.75 per gallon, closely tied to global crude oil trends and regional supply and demand dynamics. Factors such as state taxes, proximity to refineries, and market competition heavily influence local prices.
While diesel prices have trended downward since mid-2024, they remain one of the most significant operating expenses for both fleets and owner-operators. Even small per-gallon changes can significantly impact a carrier’s cost per mile (CPM) and operating ratio (OR).
Where to Find the Cheapest Diesel
The Gulf Coast continues to post the lowest diesel prices nationwide, thanks to its refinery network, robust supply infrastructure, and lower tax burden. In contrast, the West Coast—especially California— and much of the Northeast maintain the highest prices due to stricter emissions standards, higher fuel taxes, and higher distribution costs.
Here’s a quick regional breakdown:
- Gulf Coast (TX, LA, MS, AL): consistently the lowest average prices, often below $3.50/gal.
- Midwest (IL, IN, OH, MO, KS): moderate and stable pricing, with some seasonal dips.
- East Coast (FL, GA, NC, PA): wide variation; lower in the South, higher in the Northeast.
- Rocky Mountain (CO, WY, UT): moderate, fluctuating with refinery supply.
- West Coast (CA, OR, WA): highest diesel prices nationwide, often above $4.50/gal.
For carriers, that means route planning and fueling strategies matter more than ever. A trucker running lanes between Texas and Illinois could spend hundreds less per week on diesel compared to one hauling in California or New York—simply by knowing where to refuel.
Pro Tip: Even within the same state, prices can vary dramatically. Urban centers and major interstates often charge more than smaller towns a few miles off the route. Smart dispatchers utilize real-time fuel maps and apps to plan stops where the highest savings are available.
Best Truck Stops and Stations for Diesel
When it comes to reliable diesel savings, both major chains and independent stations play a role.
Major stations offer consistency, amenities, and nationwide coverage. Their loyalty programs and fuel-card partnerships offer solid savings, although their convenience can result in slightly higher posted prices along busy corridors.
Independent stations can be hidden gems for savings. With lower overhead and flexible pricing, they often sell fuel at tighter margins and pass the savings on to drivers—many of them partner with fuel card networks to offer exclusive rebates that match or beat those of national chains.
While independents may not always offer full-service facilities, they are perfect for quick refuels on low-cost routes. Smart fleets combine both—using independents where prices are lowest and big chains when amenities are most important.
Essential Tools to Optimize Fuel Costs
Managing fuel expenses isn’t just about finding the lowest pump price. It’s about data-driven decision-making. Modern fleets rely on a combination of fuel-management software, GPS telematics, and performance dashboards to monitor their spending, detect inefficiencies, and optimize routing.
The most effective tools let you:
- Compare real-time prices along your route to plan the cheapest refueling stops.
- Track fuel economy by truck or driver to spot issues early.
- Integrate IFTA data and route planning to ensure compliance and cost control.
- Centralize payments and reporting for better financial control.
Among all these tools, fuel cards remain the most effective lever for cost control. They provide access to exclusive discounts, streamline expense reporting, and strengthen cash flow by consolidating purchases and rebates in one system.
Why Summar’s Fuel Card Stands Out
There are several options available on the market; however, Summar Financial’s Fuel Card goes beyond basic discounts. It’s a comprehensive fuel-management solution designed for small carriers and fleets that prioritize flexibility, transparency, and support.
Key features include:
- Weekly rebates that add up to significant monthly savings.
- No contracts or hidden fees, so you stay in control.
- Flexible funding options (ACH, Wire, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, Tank) that fit your cash flow.
- Real-time fuel map showing stations with the best prices and rebates along your route.
- A user dashboard to monitor spending, rebates earned, and cost per mile—ideal for optimizing every trip.
When paired with Summar’s freight factoring services, the fuel card helps carriers stabilize cash flow while cutting one of their most significant operational costs. That means more control, more savings, and fewer surprises at the pump.
Key Tips and Recommendations for Carriers, Fleet Managers, and Owner-Operators
- Plan where you fill up. Prioritize fueling in states with consistently low diesel taxes and refinery presence—Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi remain top picks. A few miles of planning can save hundreds of dollars per month.
- Check prices before every fill-up. Use fuel apps and card networks to compare live prices and rebates along your route. Don’t trust billboard prices; your net price after discounts is what matters.
- Stack your savings. Combine fuel card discounts with station loyalty programs or app-based rewards for added benefit. Many drivers skip this simple step, missing out on easy savings.
- Use data to fuel smarter. Integrate GPS and telematics to analyze route efficiency, idle time, and driver behavior—key inputs to reducing CPM.
- Track market trends. Follow EIA’s weekly PADD reports and AAA state averages to anticipate price trends. If diesel spikes, adjust lanes or apply surcharges to protect profits.
By combining regional fuel knowledge, real-time data, and card-based savings, carriers and fleets can significantly reduce their diesel spend while enhancing control over operational margins.
Smart fueling strategy (used by profitable fleets)
- Fuel up in low-cost regions; buy light in high-cost areas. Top off tanks where diesel is cheapest and purchase only enough in expensive markets to reach the next affordable zone.
- Align fueling with your schedule. Plan major fills around 34-hour resets or drop-and-hook windows to maximize discounts.
- Monitor regional spreads. The Gulf Coast consistently offers the lowest prices, while the West Coast remains the highest—often more than $1.10 per gallon apart. Strategic routing can protect your margins year-round.
Summar Financial: Your Partner in Savings and Cash Flow
Whether you run a single truck or manage a growing fleet, Summar Financial helps you take control of fuel expenses and working capital. With freight factoring and the Summar Fuel Card, you gain both instant cash flow and consistent fuel savings—a powerful combination for staying profitable in a volatile market.
Summar’s team understands the realities of trucking: long routes, tight margins, and the need for reliable partners who deliver real value. That’s why our mission is simple: to help carriers keep trucks moving and money flowing.
Visit summar.com/fuel-card to learn how you can start saving today and drive farther for less. Or contact us today to get started.