Non-fuel operating costs at historic highs
Definition
Non-fuel operating costs (maintenance, tires, parts, labor, depreciation, and other expenses excluding fuel) reached $1.779 per mile as of 2024, the highest in 17 years of ATRI research tracking. Average total operating cost per mile is $2.26. For a small operation running 100,000 miles annually, this represents $177,900 in non-fuel costs alone. Rising costs include tires, maintenance, insurance, and other supplies with no corresponding increase in freight rates, creating an unsustainable cost squeeze. Owner-operators and small fleets are particularly vulnerable as they cannot leverage volume discounts available to large carriers.
Key Findings
- Financial Impact: $177,900-$445,000
- Frequency: daily
Why This Matters
Fleet maintenance software with predictive maintenance, tire management programs, parts procurement platforms, equipment leasing vs. ownership consulting, operational efficiency optimization
Affected Stakeholders
Fleet Manager, Owner/Operator
Deep Analysis (Premium)
Financial Impact
Data available with full access.
Current Workarounds
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Methodology & Sources
Data collected via OSINT from regulatory filings, industry audits, and verified case studies.
Related Business Risks
Sustained freight recession with soft pricing pressure
Insurance costs increased 36% over eight years
Volatile and rising fuel costs impacting operations
Massive cargo theft epidemic with organized criminal networks
Organized undercutting by foreign carriers with non-compliant practices
Freight broker rate compression below cost of legal operation
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