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Three oil companies have agreed to settle lawsuits related to “hot fuel” — gasoline and diesel that is not adjusted by volume to account for temperature — the Kansas City Star reported.

This is in reference to the article “Shippers Support Trucking Industry’s Campaign to Get Congress’ OK for Longer, Heavier Vehicles.”

Fuel prices are again big news, as the national average for a gallon of retail diesel climbed to almost $4.10, well above that strong $4-a-gallon psychological threshold.

Faced with the expiration in September of federal transportation taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, highway advocates say they are increasingly worried that the anti-tax, anti-government rancor that characterized the debt ceiling battle could endanger the nation’s transportation system.

While we’re thankful fuel prices have moderated a bit of late, this year’s oil cost spiral apparently has taken a notable toll on the overall economy, raising concerns that the national recovery is being sapped.

As the price of a barrel of oil stands in excess of $100, we should remember how dependent the trucking industry is on petroleum-derived diesel fuel.

The average price for a gallon of U.S. retail diesel declined last week for only the third time this year, dipping 2 cents to $4.104, the Department of Energy reported.

Traditionally, fuel has been second only to drivers as the highest variable expense truckload companies face. Since the price of fuel probably isn’t going down anytime soon, this a good time for carriers interested in future prosperity to review the costs associated with fuel.

Rapidly rising fuel costs are increasing concerns among analysts that the economic recovery could be jeopardized as consumers are pinched by rising prices at the pump and for other goods.