# Record diesel prices mean $1,240 to fill a semi

> A FedEx contract driver's fill-ups show how record diesel costs are squeezing truckers and heading for your grocery bill.
- Title: Record diesel prices mean $1,240 to fill a semi | Shortify
- Summary: A FedEx contract driver's fill-ups show how record diesel costs are squeezing truckers and heading for your grocery bill. Truckers pay for record diesel…
- Keywords: diesel prices, trucking, fuel costs, inflation, illinois, news, local, Record, diesel, prices, mean, 240
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/15/truck-driver-feeling-pain-pump-diesel-prices-lead-over-1200-tank
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:37:47.526+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: diesel prices, trucking, fuel costs, inflation, illinois, news, local
## Diesel hits a record high
Diesel prices are at record highs nationwide. AAA put the national average at $6.23 a gallon on Monday.
## $1,240 for one tank
Amin Waddell, an Illinois contract driver for FedEx who crosses the country every week, paid $1,240 to fill his semitruck. Even a top-up from just under half a tank cost $470.

> That was $470 bucks for about 65, 70 gallons of diesel
## Shoppers will feel it next
Waddell expects consumers to feel it soon, because fuel costs pass through growers, producers, shippers and supermarkets. Shawn Hughes, who manages a towing service, expects grocery prices to rise too.

> Whatever it’s going to cost to get it there, it’s going to cost everybody more
## Tow trucks keep rolling
Most of the tow trucks at Vernell's Interstate Service run on diesel. Hughes says the company is watching costs closely and trying not to add much of an upcharge.

> We’re not going to stop. We’re not going to slow down.
## Owner-operators are giving up
Waddell says many truck owners are giving up their rigs to drive for a company instead, so they no longer pay $1,100 to $1,200 every other day.

> if I drive for a company, I don’t have no worry
## Maintenance saves fuel
Hughes tells drivers to do their checks, keep tires properly inflated and fix check engine lights, because skipped upkeep hurts fuel economy. In Marion, diesel hit $6.59 a gallon.

> Don’t stare at a check engine light.
## Key takeaway

Truckers pay for record diesel first, but that cost rides along with every shipment, so expect everyday goods to cost more.