Partly driven by the instability in the Middle East, diesel prices have jumped to $5 per gallon for the first time since December 2022, outpacing regular fuel prices.
That’s a massive issue for moving companies that already run on tight margins.
While the April 7 temporary ceasefire in Iran did ease supply concerns for the moment, oil supply risks persist and rising diesel costs continue to affect movers.
“We are in a bit of a catch-22 right now. Costs are rising across the board, but customers are more price sensitive than ever. If we raise prices too much, we risk losing business so we’re trying to serve our customers well without passing on every cost increase to them,” says Nick Friedman, co-founder of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving in Tampa, FL.
If you plan to move to a new home this spring, it’s important to be mindful of these rising diesel prices and get quotes as early as you can to secure the most affordable pricing for your unique situation.
Implications for short- and long-distance moves
For long-haul moves, the impact of these sky-high diesel prices is immediate and unavoidable.
“You’re covering hundreds or thousands of miles, so fuel becomes one of the biggest cost drivers. As a result, many carriers are introducing or increasing fuel surcharges just to stay viable,” explains Friedman.
With local moves, the effect is less obvious but still significant.
“Even short-distance jobs involve multiple trips, idling trucks, and tight scheduling, so when fuel doubles as a line item, it eats directly into profitability, especially for franchise operators,” Friedman adds.
The toll on spring movers
While diesel prices are soaring, we’re also heading into the “Spring Moving Window,” which is traditionally the busiest time of year for movers.
Demand typically spikes as families move between school years and real estate activity picks up.
This year, high mortgage rates are slowing transactions while higher operating costs are squeezing movers. That combination means fewer moves overall, higher per move costs, and less flexibility to absorb expenses.
“It’s making this spring one of the most expensive and challenging we’ve seen,” says Friedman.
What to do if you want to move this spring
If you have a move planned this spring, don’t wait until the last minute to secure moving services. The earlier you book, the better.
“Even with the shifting diesel costs and economic factors in the industry, we’re anticipating the busiest season since the COVID pandemic boom. As the demand of movers increases when spring comes around and the supply of movers drops due to full schedules, the prices will inevitably increase into the summer,” explains Roger Vance, CEO and founder of Safe Ship Moving Services in Boca Raton, FL.
Vance recommends you shop around and get moving quotes in writing at least 30 days, and at best 60 to 90 days, in advance of your move. This will give you the best chances of securing the lowest possible rate.
Also, don’t forget to protect yourself against fuel adjustment clauses.
“The importance of reading a moving contract carefully before you sign it cannot be understated,” Vance adds.
Some moving companies apply a standard fuel surcharge to the cost of the move, locking in fuel expenses at the time of booking to protect customers from drastic price swings. Others pass the fluctuating costs to the customer as they occur.
Make sure you know how your mover handles fluctuations in fuel rates before you commit. Otherwise, you might face unwanted financial surprises when it comes time to pack.
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