Industry analysts expect diesel prices to increase in the next six months and remain volatile throughout 2012 and into 2013. They also expect to see a wide range of prices throughout the U.S., driven primarily by demand within the U.S. and abroad.
Industry experts have revealed that the U.S. economy is recovering, so there is more demand for fuel鈥攂oth gasoline and diesel. Other countries are recovering as well and they are using diesel.
On February 20, The Department of Energy鈥檚 Energy Information Administration reported an average diesel price of $3.96 a gallon. Prices are expected to increase 15 to 20 cents over the next six months. In the next year, industry research estimates diesel will be 20 cents higher per gallon than it is today.
According to Oil Price Information Service, diesel prices could go even higher, traveling as high as $4.35 a gallon in the next few months.
Because a significant amount of diesel is being exported鈥攁bout 1.2 million barrels a day in February鈥攑rices in the U.S. reflect global prices, particularly on the coasts, and the U.S. is expected to continue exporting fuel. China's diesel consumption will dramatically increase in 2012, surpassing U.S. consumption within 18 months. In addition to China, India and other countries are growing as well. While exports could become a political issue, without them, it is likely that refineries would close and the U.S. would be importing gasoline.
Carriers and drivers may also see prices at the pump increase due to fuel tax increases, which are being discussed on both the state and federal level due to shortfalls in highway funding budgets.
For more information on how can help you save on fuel, contact your local representative.
The Price of Crude
Crude oil makes up about 67 percent of the price of a gallon of diesel, so as crude goes up, so do prices at the pump.
In it鈥檚 February 2012 Short-Term Energy Outlook, the Department of Energy鈥檚 Energy Information Administration (EIA) said it expects the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil to average about $100 per barrel in 2012, almost $6 per barrel higher than the average price last year.
EIA said there is about a one-in-fifteen chance that the average price in June 2012 will exceed $125 per barrel, and about a one-in-fifty chance that it would exceed $140 per barrel. For 2013, EIA expects WTI prices to continue to rise, reaching $106 per barrel in the fourth quarter of next year.
By 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥� Staff
Utilizing its best-in-class route management techniques and technologies, Penske Logistics manages the inbound supply chain for PepsiCo鈥檚 four distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada that handle carbonated beverages, as well as a manufacturing plant in Arlington, Texas. Penske Logistics works to ensure the raw materials for carbonated beverage production reaches PepsiCo鈥檚 plants on-time, while monitoring supply pick-up, transit and timely deliveries.
The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) recently released its 2012 Risk Management Survey. According to the group鈥檚 press release, responses were gathered from 435 senior finance executives about risks that concern them now and those most likely to cause uncertainty over the next three years.
Major supply chain disruption concerns have clearly moved to the boardroom level. Troubles for several leading manufacturers and suppliers stemming from the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan helped generate these responses from executives in the Penske-Northeastern survey:
vice president of logistics engineering for Penske Logistics (photo right) advises manufacturers, suppliers and other businesses to take these key factors into consideration to help reduce the impact of future supply chain disruptions:
Mike Duff, 
As you can see in the graphic provided, those areas are located around the front, back and sides of the truck. In addition, when approaching a truck from behind, or driving behind a truck, give yourself some extra space. Remember, if you can't see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, the truck driver likely can't see you, either.
Connecting with Community
Compliance Safety Accountability (), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration鈥檚 (FMCSA) program that calculates fleets鈥� safety scores and determines which fleets warrant intervention, was introduced nationwide earlier this year, and carriers are continuing to review their safety data and determine what inspectors are focusing on at roadside inspections.
The BASICS are made up of seven areas, with fleets receiving a score for each. They include unsafe driving; fatigued driving; driver fitness; alcohol/drugs; vehicle maintenance; cargo securement; and crash history.
Violations found at roadside carry different weights. Knowing the values associated with specific components may help carriers identify areas they want to focus on during pre-trip inspections. For example, flat tires and/or audible air leaks are weighted as an eight, stop lamp violations a six and excessive oil leaks a three. 
What鈥檚 more, cargo theft rates increase an average of 28 percent over long weekends and holidays, which can cause long delays for drivers attempting to deliver loads. Carriers should be especially vigilant over the Thanksgiving holiday, which typically has a high theft rate, Burges said.