Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hot Fuel Web Site Launched to Educate Consumers

Did you know you might not be getting your money's worth at the fuel pump? At warmer temperatures, diesel and gasoline expands, decreasing the amount of energy (Btu) per gallon purchased. The "Turn Down Hot Fuel"

by Staff
July 15, 2007
Hot Fuel Web Site Launched to Educate Consumers

 

2 min to read


Did you know you might not be getting your money's worth at the fuel pump? At warmer temperatures, diesel and gasoline expands, decreasing the amount of energy (Btu) per gallon purchased. The "Turn Down Hot Fuel"

Ad Loading...

campaign will educate consumers on how "hot fuel" may have them paying higher prices than necessary for fuel.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and includes a Web site at www.turndownhotfuel.com.
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. That is the temperature/volume used in the petro-chemical industry to measure all petroleum liquids at the refinery and every point after the refinery, except at the retail pump.
At the 60-degree standard, a gallon of fuel delivers a certain amount of measurable energy, referred to as Btu. But when expanded by higher temperatures, that same amount of fuel actually delivers less energy. The warmer the fuel, the less measurable energy and fewer miles to the gallon a vehicle will receive.
Devices can be installed on retail pumps to make up the difference called automatic temperature compensation retrofit kits. Many consumers mistakenly believe that filling up their car's gas tank in the morning will save money.
But this is not the case.
"Temperatures of the fuel in underground storage tanks do not change dramatically enough during a 24-hour cycle," said OOIDA Project Leader John Siebert.
Some also mistakenly believe in-ground tanks at gas stations keep fuel at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, the insulated, fiberglass tanks tend to keep fuel at the temperature it was delivered. Larger retailers turn over fuel supplies very rapidly, greatly reducing the time the fuel spends in the tanks.
Congress has stepped in to address the issue. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, called the first-ever congressional hearing on hot fuel last month, where his staff unveiled a study claiming hot fuel would cost consumers $1.5 billion this summer alone. He called a second hearing for July 25 specifically to get representatives from major oil companies to testify about retail fuel practices.

More Drivers

Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →