With the November 3 midterm elections less than three weeks away, fuel prices are one of the biggest topics in the country. Whoever you vote for, if you're a dealer, leasing company or office moving copiers and printers this fall, what happens at the pump shows up in your shipping costs.
Where fuel prices stand right now
- The AAA national average for regular gas was about $4.33 a gallon on October 14, 2026.
- September averaged $4.33, a record for the month and 50 cents above the previous September high, according to AAA.
- Diesel, which powers the trucks that move equipment, peaked near $6.53 a gallon on September 22 and has eased to around $6.28.
- Prices jumped in March after the conflict with Iran disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Will the election change prices?
Not overnight. Fuel prices follow global oil supply, refinery output and seasonal demand far more than any single vote. Prediction markets recently gave about a 68% chance that diesel is still above $6 a gallon on Election Day. Even when policy changes, it usually takes months to reach the pump, so plan for fuel to stay high through year-end.
What it means for copier moves
Copier quotes include fuel, and the biggest cost drivers are extra trips, rushed installs and machines that need a second visit because the stairs, elevator or doorway weren't checked first. For a full price breakdown by copier size and distance, see our copier shipping cost guide.
How to keep copier moving costs down
- Schedule year-end placements and lease returns early and lock in the quote
- Send make, model, weight and photos, plus stairs, elevator and dock details
- Group multiple machines into one run instead of several trips
- Plan pickups and deliveries on the same route when you can
White-glove copier delivery, done in one trip
USA Copier Movers handles copiers, MFPs and office equipment with trained crews, stair climbing and protective wrapping, from dock to install-ready placement. Fewer trips and no surprises is the best way to beat high fuel.
Related guides: Diesel Prices, AI & Shipping Costs in 2026 · White Glove Copier Delivery Guide · White Glove Copier Delivery Service · Who Transports Copiers?
Sources: AAA gas price reports (gasprices.aaa.com); Briefs Finance, Oct. 8, 2026, citing AAA and Kalshi prediction-market data.