U.S. Gas Prices Drop for Third Consecutive Week, Reaching March Low
The national average gas price has declined for the third consecutive week, reaching $3.06 per gallon, the lowest March price since 2021, and down 30 cents year-over-year, according to the EIA. The drop is attributed to economic caution, uncertainty over tariffs, and OPEC+ gradually restoring oil production. Most regions saw price declines, with the Gulf Coast experiencing a slight increase. The West Coast remains the most expensive at $4.09, while Mississippi has the lowest state average at $2.62. Currently, 28 states have gas prices below $2.99, reflecting a continued downward trend in fuel costs.
Video Telematics Drives Growth in Expanding U.S. Fleet Management Market
C.J. Driscoll & Associates has released the 2025-26 U.S. Mobile Resource Management Systems Market Study, highlighting that approximately 25 million GPS/wireless devices and dashcams are currently used in fleet management, with projections to exceed 34 million units and $12 billion in revenue by 2028. Video telematics, driven by AI, machine learning, and edge computing, is the fastest-growing sector, particularly in trucking for liability determination and driver coaching. The study also examines market trends, key players, and the impact of mergers and acquisitions, noting that telematics service providers primarily grow through customer acquisition from competitors. Fleet operators typically switch providers every four to four-and-a-half years, with video telematics emerging as the industry’s primary revenue driver, preventing stagnation.
February Used-Vehicle Market Trends: Prices Decline, Sales Rise, and Consumer Confidence Drops
Wholesale used-vehicle prices declined in February compared to January on a seasonally adjusted basis, with the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) decreasing to 204.1, reflecting a 0.1% year-over-year increase. Non-adjusted prices rose 1.4% from January and 0.8% year over year, with volatility driven by winter conditions and a slower start to the tax refund season. Manheim Market Report (MMR) values showed late-month appreciation, while retail used-vehicle sales rose 8% from January. New-vehicle sales declined 0.7% year over year but increased 10.6% from January, with fleet sales down 12.3%. Rental risk unit prices and mileage were higher year over year, and consumer confidence declined, with inflation expectations rising. Gas prices remained steady at $3.10 per gallon, down 7% from the previous year.