Truckers are 'just trying to hang on' when a fill-up tops $1,000

A South Florida independent trucker says the diesel price jump linked to the war in Iran has turned routine refueling into a $1,000-per-tank crisis. Sean Howarth launched his business last year, planning one week per month at home in Miami, but he hasn’t been back since mid-August—sleeping in his truck and skipping birthdays and family activities. AAA says diesel averages $6.39 a gallon nationally versus $3.71 a year ago. Owner-operators face thin margins and stagnant freight rates; some have turned to crowdfunding or paused operations. Howarth paid $626 to fill for a load grossing about $1,000.