For Immediate Release

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association

1 NW OOIDA Drive, Grain Valley, MO       
E-mail:ooida@ooida.com              
Web site: www.ooida.com
Phone: (816) 229-5791           Fax: (816) 427-4468 

Truckers’ organization speaks up about ‘hot fuel’ rip-off

High fuel prices addressed in Congress

(June 8, 2007 – Grain Valley, MO) – Consumers make calls to Congress everyday saying they expect action to be taken regarding the cost of fuel. But today, only one organization stood up among industry leaders on behalf of consumers, pointing out a double standard in which fuel is sold. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) gave testimony at a hearing called by the U.S. House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Oversight and Reform where the issue of “hot fuel” was discussed. OOIDA Project Leader John Siebert cited an estimated $2.5 billion annual cost to consumers due to “hot fuel.”

 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. The warmer the fuel, the less measurable energy (Btu) and fewer miles to the gallons a vehicle will receive. For example, if a tractor-trailer averages six miles per gallon, 200 gallons of 98-degree fuel is going to take that truck 36 fewer miles than 60-degree fuel.

Other panelists at the hearing included representatives from the National Conference of Weights and Measures and the National Association of Convenience Stores and Independent Gasoline Marketers of America. Noticeably absent were representatives of two large oil companies, Exxon and Shell, who were also invited. The Association’s presence was the closest to any type of consumer representation at the hearing.

There are devices that can be installed on retail pumps to make up the difference in price, called automatic temperature-compensation kits. A manufacturer of such devices also attended the hearing and gave testimony. OOIDA has been challenging the U.S. Department of Weights and Measures to require fuel retailers in all 50 states to install temperature compensation devices as a solution to the hot fuel problem. The Association is also planning to launch a public education campaign on the topic, including a new Web site, next week.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is the national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, MO area. The Association currently has more than 153,000 members from all 50 states and Canada.