(March 10, 2011) As gas and diesel prices push toward a $4-a-gallon average in the U.S., Americans are concerned at not only the increased cost of driving, but the cost of nearly every product, most of which are affected by hauling costs.

But wait, if misery loves company, there's considerably more misery in the UK where the price of diesel fuel has just hit an all-time high of six pounds. That translates into $9.70 in the U.S.

The news in Great Britain that fuel had hit the £6 mark came as no surprise to the Road Haulage Association.

“The movement in the price of oil over recent weeks meant that our predictions for the price of diesel were grim,” said RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs. “Today’s news that a gallon of diesel now costs over £6 means that the reality is far worse.

“Over a third of a hauler’s operating costs are eaten up by fuel. A 44 ton artic/trailer combination will cover, typically 70,000 miles a year. At approximately 7.5 miles to the gallon this latest hike will leave many haulers in the position where they will be seriously considering whether their future in the industry is still viable.

“The UK road haulage industry is the bedrock on which the rest of the economy is built.  Without a profitable transport and logistics sector, the future for the economy looks very rocky indeed," Ms. Gibbs said.