As we shift gears to 2026, the trucking industry is on solid footing after a resilient 2025. The past year was marked by adaptation and stabilizing conditions. At TCS, we support thousands of trucking professionals with reliable fuel card services. These helped keep operations smooth and costs controlled. Here’s a recap of 2025’s key themes and actionable strategies for success this year.
2025 Diesel Fuel Prices: Welcome Stability
After years of volatility, diesel prices stabilized in 2025. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a national average of about $3.67 per gallon. A slight decline from 2024, with lows around $3.50 in spring and peaks around $3.80 in summer and fall. This predictability improved budgeting for fleets.
Freight Rates: Late-Year Momentum After Prolonged Softness
FreightWaves and ATA reports show that more carriers are rejecting loads (rising tender rejections), truck capacity is getting tighter, and freight volumes (tonnage) are mixed but starting to stabilize. This is mainly due to stronger retail and consumer demand, helping create a more balanced market for carriers heading into 2026.
In simpler terms, the trucking market is tightening up a bit after a tough stretch, with fewer available trucks and steadier freight needs, setting things up for a fairer environment for truckers this next year.
Technology: Rapid Progress
Innovation surged with AI route optimization and predictive maintenance going mainstream. Electric truck adoption increased alongside better charging infrastructure. Autonomous pilot programs expanded on select routes. These changes promise greater efficiency and lower long-term costs.
Driver Shortage: Ongoing but Manageable
Despite technological strides, the driver shortage persisted. However, higher pay, flexible schedules, and recruitment efforts helped ease the pressure for many. Retention remains a top priority.
Gearing Up for 2026: Proven Strategies
Analysts forecast cautious optimism for 2026. Expect improving freight rates, tightening capacity, and modest demand growth. Focus on these areas to boost efficiency and profitability.
Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
Fuel is a major expense. Maintain proper tire pressure, reduce idling, avoid congestion, and perform regular maintenance for big savings. Fuel discount programs add even more value. The TCS Fuel Card offers an average savings of 57¢ per gallon* at over 2,300 in-network locations.
Embrace Technology for Smarter Operations
Telematics, route-planning software, and mobile apps transform efficiency. Telematics systems combine GPS, diagnostics, and wireless communication to deliver real-time insights beyond basic tracking, monitoring, and detection of speeding, harsh braking, and idling, to coach safer, fuel-efficient driving.
Predictive maintenance alerts catch issues such as low tire pressure or engine faults before they cause breakdowns. Automated hours-of-service logging ensures ELD compliance without manual effort, while real-time data minimizes deadhead miles, optimizes routes around traffic and weather, and improves delivery times. This directly increases profitability per load.
Many modern fuel card programs include robust apps for instant access to discounts on diesel fuel prices, transaction tracking, and reports. The TCS Mobile App’s Fuel Finder shows current discounts at thousands of locations, key amenities, and highway exits for seamless, time and money-saving navigation.
Strengthen Financial and Operational Planning
Regularly review lanes, negotiate contracts, and track expenses. Use load boards like NextLOAD and a factoring company for cash flow. Partners like our friends at Apex Capital, in addition to invoice factoring, provide freight broker or freight shipping companies credit checks to confirm they pay on time and help protect against fraud, so you get paid for your work on every load.
The Road Ahead Looks Bright
The industry showed resilience in 2025, setting up for a strong 2026. Fleets of all sizes can drive growth and profitability by emphasizing efficiency, technology, and smart tools.
Sign up today for your TCS Fuel Card and unlock immediate fuel discounts, streamlined expense tracking, and powerful tools built to boost your bottom line. Have questions or want to see exactly how the TCS Fuel Card can benefit your operation? Give us a call at 844-827-7702. Our team is ready to help you succeed on the road and at the pump.
Take control of your fleet’s fuel cost and maximize savings today. Experience for yourself the many benefits of America’s Favorite Fuel Card. Apply for your TCS Fuel Card today!
**Average savings of 57 cents per gallon is based on actual in-network TCS client transaction for Q4 of 2025.
