By Fayette Wester
RISMEDIA, June 4, 2008-Every American is affected by the rise in fuel costs, not only for their own daily commute, but also indirectly as the cost of consumable goods and food rise incrementally to adjust for transportation expenses.
Members of the trucking and moving industries are feeling the pain of fuel increases most keenly. Many of them are finding their livelihoods threatened as they try to incorporate fuel increases into their daily operating costs. In an industry that already has very low profit margin, the cost of fuel is now one of the greatest operating expenses, second only to labor. The American Trucking Association has labeled the situation a “National Fuel Price Crisis.”
The cost of diesel fuel has risen 26% since the beginning of 2008, compared to an 18% increase in gasoline. Each week the U.S. Government (DOE) publishes gasoline and diesel fuel costs on their website: www.eia.doe.gov.
How does all of this information affect the shipment of household goods?
Unfortunately, it means that a move will cost more than it did a year ago. Van line providers use the published government rates to determine a surcharge. That surcharge fluctuates and is applied to state-to-state moves. It will be reflected in your written estimate. The fuel surcharge is essential for quality service providers to ensure that their service is not compromised by cutting costs in other areas, such as labor.
The Move Advocate works with national van line providers with a proven history of quality and integrity. When you or your client receives multiple complimentary move estimates through The Move Advocate, you can be assured of an aggressive discount without compromised quality. If you have questions about how the cost of fuel is factored into your move estimate, a professional moving coach will be available to discuss it with you.
For more information, visit www.moveadvocate.com.
