Rising Diesel Prices Bite into Iowa Farmer's Trucking Business

Kelly Garrett, a southwest Iowa farmer who operates a trucking business in addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, and running a 1,000-head cow/calf herd, is experiencing increased costs due to rising diesel prices. According to Garrett, before the conflict with Iran began, diesel prices were around $3.40 per gallon, but have since risen to nearly $6.

The fuel surcharge used in trucking contracts has helped maintain some profitability for Garrett's business, but it does not fully cover the increased costs. 'Where we get our loads and things like that, they're really paying attention to that,' he said, referring to the impact of diesel price increases on his operations.