Fuel Prices Cause Florida Trucking Company to Slash Fleet, Workforce
The rising cost of fuel has claimed a Florida trucking company as its victim. D&K Transport in Dade City is making plans to slash its fleet and cut nearly 75 percent of its work force
The rising cost of fuel has claimed a Florida trucking company as its victim. D&K Transport in Dade City is making plans to slash its fleet and cut nearly 75 percent of its work force.
According to an article in the St. Petersburg Times, co-owner Bill Surratt said Tuesday the company has been struggling with diesel fuel costs, paying nearly $2.09 in California.
"We're at a point where we can't take it anymore," he told the paper.
Of the company's 88 rigs, D&K owners plan to sell dozens of trailers and about 53 of the tractors at public auction next month. The work force is expected to drop from about 200 to about 60, he said.
"We hate to do this, but it's reached that point," he added.
Surratt said D&K will continue operating a smaller fleet as long as it can, and maybe someday expand again if fuel prices come back down.
More Drivers

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership
A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.
Read More →Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech
Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.
Read More →
Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing
Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.
Read More →Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation
Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises
New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.
Read More →
Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion
Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.
Read More →
New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
Read More →
WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops
ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.
Read More →
FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again
Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.
Read More →
Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info
Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.
Read More →
