Low Gas Prices Help Local Businesses, Truck Drivers

SUPERIOR, Wis. - "It's allowing the economy to grow,” said Leo Naumann, COO of Jeff Foster Trucking. “It’s allowing people to spend money, it's all good thing."Drivers at Jeff Foster Trucking travel about 18 million miles a year."We have logging trucks, we have gas trucks, we have asphalt hauling trucks," said Naumann. Company officials tell FOX 21 constantly hitting the pavement almost always produces hefty costs at the pump. Plummeting gas prices are saving them about $30,000 every time they fill up all of their 200 trucks."When you can save money you can save up for things that you need," said Naumann. “New equipment, new tractors, new trailers to be able to keep ahead of the competition." According to AAA, Americans saved $14 billion in 2014 on gas than they did in 2013."I think it's fantastic especially when you get a truck that's only getting like 13 miles to the gallon," said Larry Peabody. Reports also conclude the national average price of gas is a dollar less per gallon. Prices have dropped a record breaking 97 days in a row."Just keep bringing them down that will be great,” said Peabody. “Best Christmas present we've had this year.""We love it, honestly we love it a lot," Custom Cab Company Dispatcher Shane Connor said. Sinking prices are also helping Custom Cab Company in Duluth keep money in the bank."We're back in the plus, about all I can say," said Connor. With thousands of dollars going into the company instead of buying gas, Custom Cab Company staff believe they will finally be able to put funds toward putting more cabs on the streets."It's going to make us faster and better,” said Connor. “We’ll be good to our customers, our number one priority is our customer." Gas prices are expected to stay low as long as crude oil remains relatively cheap. Fuel experts believe consumers can save up to $75 billion on gas this year if prices stay low.