From our one-truck, owner-operator point of view, higher fuel prices are a good thing, as long as our carrier's fuel surcharge holds. That's because we drive smart, spec'ed our truck smart and get better-than-average fuel economy as a result. Fuel surcharge calculations are based on an average, so having better-than-average fuel economy provides a distinct advantage.
From a competitive point of view, higher fuel prices are a good thing. They will tend to force more truckers out of the business, leaving more freight and pricing power for those who remain.
From a shipper's and consignee's point of view, higher fuel prices are a bad thing because they drive shipping costs higher.
From a consumer's point of view, higher fuel prices are a bad thing since they drive product prices higher and transfer more money from their pockets into their gas tanks.
From a macro-economic point of view, higher fuel prices are a bad thing since they slow economic activity.
So, if you are a trucker benefiting from higher fuel prices, you will also be hurt by them, in the form of higher-priced goods and services, reduced freight volumes, and reduced employment opportunities if you happen to need a career change.
Best, I think, for fuel prices to be low to help the economy recover, people to get back on their feet, business activity to increase and freight volumes and rates to rise.
