Strike rumors swirl, but diesel costs are Wisconsin's real risk
Strike rumors swirl, but diesel costs are Wisconsin's real risk
Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State FarmerTue, September 29, 2026 at 10:09 AM UTC
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Diesel prices are squeezing Wisconsin truckers and farmers, while unverified trucker strike rumors fuel concerns about potential supply chain disruptions.
Record-high diesel prices are putting financial pressure on Wisconsin truckers, farmers and agribusinesses, fueling concerns about rising transportation costs across the agricultural supply chain.
However, while social media rumors have circulated about a nationwide trucker strike, industry groups say no verified organized strike is planned in Wisconsin or nationally.
According to AAA, the average price of diesel on Sept. 27 was $6.51 per gallon in Wisconsin, reaching record levels and significantly increasing operating costs for trucking companies. A year ago, the national average for diesel was $2.69 cheaper. Dan Johnson, president of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, told Wisconsin Public Radio that fuel typically accounts for 20% to 30% of a trucking company's expenses, forcing carriers to rely on fuel surcharges and other measures to offset costs.
Wisconsin farmers watch trucker strike rumors as costs rise
The impact is being felt on farms as well. A report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found Wisconsin farmers are facing higher costs not only to fuel tractors, combines and other machinery, but also to transport commodities. Some producers reported freight surcharges and hauling rates increasing sharply as diesel prices surged.
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For agriculture, transportation costs affect nearly every part of the supply chain. Diesel-powered trucks move milk from farms to processors, transport livestock and grain, and deliver food products to retailers. For dairy farmers, a trucking strike that would involve milk haulers would be disastrous. Most farms have only enough bulk tank capacity for one to two days of production, meaning milk may have to be dumped if haulers cannot reach farms within 24 to 48 hours, Farm Journal reported.
Nationwide shutdown wouldn't be an easy feat
Rumors of an Oct. 1 trucker strike have spread widely online in recent weeks, with some posts warning of potential supply chain disruptions. However, a spokesperson for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association told Snopes that the organization has no knowledge of an organized strike, describing the reports as social media chatter, Times Now reported. Industry analysts have also noted that a nationwide shutdown would be difficult to coordinate because most trucking companies are nonunion and the industry is highly fragmented.
While no organized strike has been confirmed, trucking executives told Times Now that diesel prices are placing significant strain on small carriers and independent owner-operators. Some may choose to reduce operations if fuel costs remain elevated, creating localized transportation challenges even without a formal work stoppage.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Strike rumors swirl, but diesel costs are Wisconsin's real risk
Source: “AOL Money”
