The ES Advantage Blog
July 1 brought a fresh round of fuel tax adjustments across the country, proof once again that in trucking, the only constant is change. Ten states increased their diesel taxes, while three offered modest relief. For carriers, these shifts underscore how quickly your cost per mile can change, depending on where you’re fueling.
States like California and Washington are now leading the nation in diesel tax rates, with California topping the chart at 97.1 cents per gallon. Washington followed with a sharp increase to 58.4 cents per gallon, directing revenue toward transportation budgets. Meanwhile, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Maryland saw small decreases, which can add up for carriers with regular lanes through those areas.
At first glance, these changes may seem daunting. After all, fuel remains one of the largest expenses for owner-operators and small fleets. But here’s the reality: fluctuations like these aren’t new. The trucking industry has always faced cycles of rising taxes, shifting regulations, and volatile fuel markets. The key isn’t to panic. It’s to control what you can control.
That’s where ES Advantage comes in. Our programs are designed to help you offset rising costs and keep your bottom line strong, no matter what the tax tables look like. With fuel discounts averaging $0.55–$0.76 per gallon at over 1,300 nationwide stops, ES Advantage members can reclaim savings that often outpace the impact of new taxes. Pair those discounts with smart fueling strategies, like topping off in lower-tax states before crossing higher-cost borders, and you’re already ahead of the curve.
And with the interactive map inside the ES Advantage Mobile App, you can see pricing, including IFTA rates, across our discount network and choose the best fueling locations along your route. Having that visibility allows you to plan ahead and make informed choices about when and where to refuel to maximize every dollar you spend.
Beyond fuel, ES Advantage offers additional ways to protect margins. From maintenance savings to insurance solutions to our ES Advantage Mobile App that simplifies fuel management and route planning, we provide tools that help you focus on efficiency, not just expenses.
The bottom line? Taxes will rise, fall, and rise again. Markets will tighten and loosen. But with the right support and strategies, you don’t have to ride the rollercoaster unprepared. By leveraging ES Advantage, you gain a partner committed to helping you adapt, save, and thrive, no matter what changes hit the pump.
To learn more about how ES Advantage can help you protect your bottom line, give us a call at 888-566-9877 and talk to one of our experts today.