Rising Fuel Costs Are Impacting Repossession Operations

Why Fuel Surcharges Are Now Necessary

As of March 4, 2026, the AAA national average fuel price is $3.198 per gallon, and in many regions across the country the price is significantly higher. As shown in the national map above, several states are seeing prices well above the national average, placing a growing financial strain on service providers that rely heavily on fuel to perform daily operations.

For repossession companies, fuel is not a minor expense—it is a core operational cost.

Repossession Is a Fuel-Intensive Service

Unlike many industries, repossession agents spend a large portion of their time on the road. Every assignment requires:

• Skip tracing and multiple location checks
• Repeated drive-bys and surveillance attempts
• Long-distance travel between accounts
• Transporting collateral to storage facilities
• Meeting with law enforcement, auctions, or transport companies

Each of these steps consumes fuel. With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate and trend upward, the cost of performing these essential services has increased substantially.

The Impact on Service Providers

Repossession companies operate on tight margins. Over the past several years, operating expenses have steadily increased, including:

• Fuel costs
• Insurance premiums
• Labor and compliance expenses
• Equipment maintenance
• Storage and facility costs

Without adjustments, these rising expenses directly impact the ability of repossession companies to maintain rapid response times, professional staff, and compliant operations.

Why a Fuel Surcharge Is a Fair Solution

Implementing a fuel surcharge is a transparent and industry-standard way to account for fuel volatility while keeping base service fees stable.

A fuel surcharge allows:

• Fair cost distribution based on real operating conditions
• Operational stability for service providers
• Continued high-quality service for lenders and forwarders
• Accountability tied to national fuel indexes such as AAA averages

Many transportation and logistics industries—including towing, shipping, and freight—already use fuel surcharges for this reason.

Supporting Reliable Recovery Services

Repossession companies are essential partners in protecting lender assets. Ensuring these companies can operate sustainably allows them to continue providing:

• Fast and professional recoveries
• Compliance with state and federal regulations
• Secure handling of collateral
• Experienced agents in the field

A modest fuel surcharge helps offset rising fuel costs and ensures that repossession providers can continue delivering the dependable service clients expect.

Moving Forward

With national fuel prices currently averaging $3.198 per gallon and rising in many regions, now is the time for lenders, forwarders, and clients to support the implementation of fuel surcharges for repossession services.

 This adjustment ensures the long-term stability of the recovery industry and allows providers to continue delivering the professional results your organization depends on.

Stephanie Findley 

President,

Texas Accredited Repossession Professionals (TexasARP)

[email protected]

https://www.texasarp.org

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Rising Fuel Costs Are Impacting Repossession Operations – Rising Fuel Costs Are Impacting Repossession Operations – Rising Fuel Costs Are Impacting Repossession Operations

Rising Fuel Costs Are Impacting Repossession Operations – State Repossession Associations – Texas Accredited Repossession Professionals – TexasARP – Repossess – Repossession – Repossession Agency – Repossessor – Repossession