Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hot Fuel Web Site Launched to Educate Consumers

Did you know you might not be getting your money's worth at the fuel pump? At warmer temperatures, diesel and gasoline expands, decreasing the amount of energy (Btu) per gallon purchased. The "Turn Down Hot Fuel"

by Staff
July 15, 2007
Hot Fuel Web Site Launched to Educate Consumers

 

2 min to read


Did you know you might not be getting your money's worth at the fuel pump? At warmer temperatures, diesel and gasoline expands, decreasing the amount of energy (Btu) per gallon purchased. The "Turn Down Hot Fuel"

campaign will educate consumers on how "hot fuel" may have them paying higher prices than necessary for fuel.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and includes a Web site at www.turndownhotfuel.com.
The phrase "hot fuel" refers to expanded diesel fuel or gasoline that is sold at retail pumps at temperatures higher than the century-old government standard of 60 degrees. That is the temperature/volume used in the petro-chemical industry to measure all petroleum liquids at the refinery and every point after the refinery, except at the retail pump.
At the 60-degree standard, a gallon of fuel delivers a certain amount of measurable energy, referred to as Btu. But when expanded by higher temperatures, that same amount of fuel actually delivers less energy. The warmer the fuel, the less measurable energy and fewer miles to the gallon a vehicle will receive.
Devices can be installed on retail pumps to make up the difference called automatic temperature compensation retrofit kits. Many consumers mistakenly believe that filling up their car's gas tank in the morning will save money.
But this is not the case.
"Temperatures of the fuel in underground storage tanks do not change dramatically enough during a 24-hour cycle," said OOIDA Project Leader John Siebert.
Some also mistakenly believe in-ground tanks at gas stations keep fuel at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, the insulated, fiberglass tanks tend to keep fuel at the temperature it was delivered. Larger retailers turn over fuel supplies very rapidly, greatly reducing the time the fuel spends in the tanks.
Congress has stepped in to address the issue. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, called the first-ever congressional hearing on hot fuel last month, where his staff unveiled a study claiming hot fuel would cost consumers $1.5 billion this summer alone. He called a second hearing for July 25 specifically to get representatives from major oil companies to testify about retail fuel practices.

More Drivers

Photo of Stone's Truck Stop
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Trucker Path Names Top Truck Stops for 2026

Truck driver ratings reveal the best chain and independent truck stops in the country.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
DriversJanuary 23, 2026

What FMCSA’s New Enforcement Push Means for Fleets in 2026 [Podcast]

Listen as transportation attorney and TruckSafe Consulting President Brandon Wiseman joins the HDT Talks Trucking podcast to unpack the “regulatory turbulence” of last year and what it means for trucking fleets in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DriversJanuary 20, 2026

How Pilot Is Using AI in Truck Maintenance

A practical look at how artificial intelligence is helping Pilot's trucking fleet move from reactive maintenance to a more proactive approach.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic showing smart truck parking technology with a highway sign reading “Spaces Available” and the Streetline logo.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 16, 2026

Streetline Expands Smart Truck Parking System on West Coast

Streetline is expanding smart truck parking tools, including a new I-5 deployment in Washington and a no-upfront-cost pilot model for state DOTs.

Read More →
Truck parked at night
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 15, 2026

Third 'Jason's Law' Truck Parking Survey Under Way

The Federal Highway Administration is asking motor carriers and truck drivers to give input on where and when drivers have difficulty finding truck parking, and on how drivers prefer to get information on available parking.

Read More →
Driversby StaffJanuary 8, 2026

FMCSA Continues Focus on State Issuance of Non-Domiciled CDLs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues a crackdown on an increasing number of states it says have been issuing non-domiciled CDLs improperly.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driversby Deborah LockridgeDecember 30, 2025

Will FMCSA’s Driver-Oriented Enforcement Initiatives Affect Capacity?

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took several actions in 2025 to tighten enforcement of regulations for commercial drivers. Will those affect trucking capacity in 2026?

Read More →