Posted: January 12, 2026
Diesel fuel has long been the backbone of the trucking industry, powering everything from long-haul trucks to heavy-duty equipment. But today, fleet operators are facing a growing list of challenges that can affect both day-to-day operations and long-term profitability. Here’s a closer look at some of the key trends shaping diesel use—and the hurdles fleets are working to overcome.
Diesel is essential across multiple industries, from trucking and rail to agriculture and construction. That steady demand puts constant pressure on supply, which is naturally more limited—each barrel of crude oil yields significantly less diesel than gasoline. In regions with fewer diesel fueling stations, fleets may also face longer routes, more downtime, and higher fuel-related costs just to keep vehicles moving.
Cleaner diesel has clear environmental benefits, but it comes at a price. Federal regulations now require ultra-low sulfur diesel to reduce emissions, which has made the refining process more complex and expensive. Those higher production costs often work their way down the supply chain, impacting what fleets ultimately pay at the pump.
Diesel fuel is taxed at a higher rate than gasoline at the federal level, and many states add additional taxes on top of that. For fleet operators purchasing fuel in large volumes, even a few extra cents per gallon can add up quickly. Ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and other potential fees only adds to the budgeting challenge.
Governments continue to introduce new rules aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, often encouraging a shift toward electric or alternative-fuel vehicles. While sustainability is an important goal, rapidly evolving regulations can be difficult for trucking fleets to navigate. Fleet managers are balancing compliance, equipment investments, and operational realities as policies continue to change.
On-site diesel storage can be a major advantage, helping fleets save time and avoid crowded fueling stations. However, diesel fuel is sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can affect performance and fuel quality if storage systems aren’t properly maintained. Managing storage correctly is key to protecting both equipment and fuel investments.
Some view electric trucks as the future of freight, but, at least for now, they present real challenges for broad operation in the industry. High upfront costs, limited driving range, and long charging times make electric trucks impractical for long-haul and heavy-duty applications. Charging infrastructure is still uneven and sparse in many regions, especially along rural routes and major freight corridors. In addition, cold weather can significantly reduce battery performance and range—an important concern for fleets operating in colder climates. Combined with the strain large-scale charging places on the electric grid, these factors make full electrification a difficult fit for much of the trucking industry, reinforcing the continued importance of diesel and renewable diesel as reliable, scalable solutions.
One bright spot for the trucking industry is the growing use and availability of biodiesel and renewable diesel blends. Using these fuels typically requires little to no modification, making them an accessible option for fleets looking to reduce emissions without replacing equipment. In many regions, biodiesel blends are increasingly available through traditional diesel supply channels, offering a practical path toward cleaner operations while maintaining the power and reliability fleets depend on.
Whether you operate a range of construction or agricultural vehicles and equipment essential to getting heavy work done, or a fleet of vehicles that move people, materials or merchandise, the team at Mercer understands the unique challenges that businesses in this region face. Find out why you can count on our commercial energy experts to provide top-notch delivery of high-quality diesel and gasoline.
Contact us today for information about fleet fueling services and more.