Rising fuel costs hurting, helping economy in Utah
"It has made a big difference in the profit margin," said Chrisman, a Vernal resident and owner of pest control and lawn maintenance company, Pest Busters. "We go through a lot of gas. We had to raise prices, and we've lost customers" because of it.
Raising prices is just one of the things her small business has had to do to compensate for the current price of gas an average of $2.40 per gallon in Utah.
For instance, Pest Busters no longer sets appointments and instead drives one continuous "loop" to efficiently get to their clients in the shortest distance. Gas prices have hit the business so hard that Chrisman says there are days when she can barely pay her workers.
And she's not alone. Many Utah businesses that rely on transportation are reaping the negative effects of record-high gasoline.
"It's called 'increase expense,'" said Ron Greensides, vice president of locally owned and operated Sugar House Moving & Storage Co. "We have to stay away from small moving jobs because they don't have the margin of profit the larger ones do. It's getting to that point where we're going to have to start charging an additional fuel surcharge."
Although most moving companies now charge customers for gas costs, Sugar House Moving & Storage Co. had held off. But now that the company's over its budget and still must use 20 diesel trucks to serve Utah during the busy moving season, "We have to," Greensides said.
"I hope there's a resolve to it soon. I think it's a great concern to everyone," he said.
Whether you're a local business owner or a worker, gas prices hit one of your most fragile spots: the checkbook.
"It's starting to hurt pretty bad," said Mike Nelson, a Morgan resident. "It's definitely putting a dent in the budget."
Nelson makes a 130-mile round trip to Salt Lake Valley for his job in Murray. He drives an economy car to cut down on costs and has even thought about changing routes and drive times to avoid traffic.
"I go through two tanks a week. It's a lot of money. It adds up."
As far as compensating for the loss, "I slowed down a bit," Nelson said, laughing, but there's not much else he can do.
"It's affecting us so much that we have our Ford F-150 pickup truck that's been parked for three months. We're going to sell it. I don't think the truck has gone farther than a mile from the house in three months."
Still renting RVs
But for Access RV, a recreational vehicle and trailer sales and rental company based in Salt Lake City, the combined need for recreation and rising gas prices has had a positive effect on his business.
Comments
- Oldest American to scale Mount Everest 11:07 a.m.
- Knicks sign first-round pick 10:59 a.m.
- Armstrong third, Leipheimer fourthe 10:58 a.m.
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Big Ben celebrates 150 years 10:42 a.m.
- North Korean cyberattacks? 10:39 a.m.
- China raises death toll from riots 10:37 a.m.
- 'Smart Home' block party in Provo 10:35 a.m.
- Man injured in Taylorsville stabbing 10:22 a.m.
- Dispose of old TVs 10:16 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
234 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
151 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
138 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
103 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
95 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
While reading most of the comments by the fans of BYU and Utah, one could say...
It's going to be funny in 20 years when all this seems stupid, and you are on...
When I can finally establish in every moment of my life peace, forgiveness,...
Same can be said about the beauty parlor, or any other place where we shed...
Reading all of this makes my heart wrench. I was raised LDS and I have been...
I'm sick of the articles saying he's like every other man with temptations....
To the 7:04 commentator, They are also married. Beyound that, what...
lets go dig it up they're not indeginous to here or related to us. but i...
That is a terrible lead! When did this happen? What does this picture from 10...
"Who are you calling a pedophile? While I do believe Mr. Pratt is guilty of a...



You can be the first to comment on this story.