Independent truckers at the Port of Oakland say record diesel prices, above $8 a gallon on average in California for more than a month, are eating most of their earnings, KQED reported.

Why it matters: Port trucks move Central Valley produce and meat to ships. Economists say if truckers can't absorb fuel costs, prices for goods go up.

What drivers say

  • Danny Bui, 49, of San Jose said filling his 240-gallon tank now costs about $1,400, roughly double what it used to. He is taking only short port-to-warehouse runs.
  • Martin Ramirez, 59, of Oakland said 20 years ago he kept $750 of every $1,000 earned after fuel and insurance. Now he keeps about $450.
  • Steve Gardner of PCC Logistics said its drivers are reluctant to take long hauls. The company charges customers a 45% fuel surcharge, most of which goes to drivers.

The bigger picture

California diesel is up about $3 from a year ago and about $2 above the national average, KQED reported, citing AAA. UC Berkeley energy economist Severin Borenstein said damage to oil fields and refineries could keep prices high for many months.

KQED's interviews describe individual drivers, not a port-wide survey. No strike has been reported.

Related: Bay Area gas and diesel prices

Sources: KQED; Bay Area Registry Oakland digest.