Rising costs hit 82% of trucking organizations with fuel cited as most common cause Geotab survey finds

ATLANTA, GA — October 28, 2026 —More than four out of five respondents (82%) said their organization’s overall operating costs increased over the past 12 months, according to research conducted by Endeavor Business Intelligence on behalf of Geotab, a global leader in connected operations, video telematics and AI-powered insights. When asked about the cause of the increase, fuel costs were the most frequently cited theme, named in 31% of responses. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration Open in new window reported that U.S. on-highway diesel averaged $6.35 per gallon for the week of October 26, 71% higher than a year earlier. Higher per-gallon prices increase the cost impact of fuel consumption across vehicles and routes. Fleet operators cannot set market prices, but fuel-use data and purchase controls can help managers see where fuel is being used and verify purchases against vehicle information.

“High fuel prices put pressure on operating budgets, so fleet managers need a clear view of where and how fuel is being used, along with safeguards to help prevent fraudulent purchases,” said Steven Berube, Vice President at Geotab. “In the Geotab platform, managers can review fuel consumption, fuel economy and idling, while the Geotab Fleet Card checks transactions against live vehicle data, including location and tank capacity, before they clear. Bringing these capabilities together in one platform gives managers more visibility and control over fuel use and spending.”

How much fuel can idling use?

A Geotab analysis of connected commercial vehicles across North America found that vehicles idled for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes per driving day, using 0.95 gallons of fuel while idling. The highest-idling 10% of vehicles idled for more than three hours and used more than 2 gallons per driving day.

The analysis puts a number on fuel consumed while vehicles idle. Geotab’s Fleet Fuel Management tools  show fuel consumption, fuel economy and idling in MyGeotab, giving managers data to identify patterns and assess where efficiency measures may be appropriate.

How can fleets use fuel data to improve fuel economy?

In-vehicle verbal feedback and buzzer alerts can help drivers address fuel-wasting habits such as idling, speeding and harsh acceleration. Maintenance reminders and inspection checklists can support tire-pressure checks and other routines that affect fuel economy.

How does the Geotab Fleet Card help verify purchases?

For eligible U.S. fleets, the Geotab Fleet Card  checks transactions against live vehicle data before they clear, including vehicle location and tank capacity. These checks can help prevent fraudulent purchases. Fleet administrators can also set controls by amount, time frame, category, merchant or location.

Where can eligible U.S. fleets access Geotab Fleet Card discounts?

The Geotab Fleet Card gives eligible fleets access to wholesale discounts at more than 34,000 fueling stations across the United States. The Geotab Drive app shows nearby in-network fueling locations and prices so drivers can compare options.

Fuel data and purchase controls in one platform

Together, fuel data and Geotab Fleet Card give managers a clearer view of fuel use and spending in the Geotab platform, with tools to monitor consumption and verify purchases against vehicle data. 

• Learn more about Fleet Fuel Management 
• Learn more about Geotab Fleet Card.

Research notes: Endeavor Business Intelligence collected 497 qualified responses from Aug. 20 to Oct. 6, 2026, on behalf of Geotab. Respondents were trucking professionals across multiple markets. The overall margin of error was ±4.4%; subsection results have higher margins of error. The fuel-cost question was open-ended, and Copilot assisted with identifying and quantifying response themes. Percentages are approximate.