Would you rather have free fuel or free food for life?

The comments rolled in fast, and drivers definitely had opinions. Some leaned toward saving thousands on fuel, while others saw the long-term value in cutting down food costs—especially after retirement or if the company already covers fuel.

Here’s what drivers had to say.

The Case for Free Fuel

For many truckers, fuel isn’t just an expense—it’s the cost of doing business. That’s why so many drivers jumped at the chance for free fuel.

Billy Klepi summed it up simply:
“Bro I get 13 to the gallon. I’m taking that free gas. My truck thinks it’s free, so I’ll take it free.”

Jason Lawrence broke it down with some serious math:
“A gallon of diesel weighs about 7 pounds, and I average seven mpg. I’m losing roughly $4 in fuel every 7 minutes. So, I would rather have the free fuel than free food because I’m not consuming $34.40/hour in food.”

Randy Paiz added some perspective:
“Would I pay $20 for each meal or $1000 every time I fuel? No brainer there.”

Others saw fuel as a tool for making money or gaining flexibility:

• Phil Maddalena: “Fuel—my truck can make me money to buy food.”
• Cory Clark: “Fuel, definitely. I can go without food for a better part of the day, and free fuel will most definitely free up funds for food.”
• Gustavo FigueroaZapata: “Fuel, ’cause I’ma make money off of that.”

And a few offered creative workarounds for skipping the grocery store:

• Bubba Bubbah: “Fuel. We could hunt.”
• Robert Schaffer: “Fuel. I can shoot something to eat.”
• Lisa Oscar: “Fuel. You can grow food.”

The Case for Free Food

Not everyone is paying for fuel—especially company drivers or those planning for retirement.

Joshua Warner made it clear:
“I’m a company driver, so I’ll take free food. That’d cut my expenses down nicely.”

Rafael Pardo agreed:
“Food, because I’m a company driver and about to retire. I’m going to spend more money on food than gas.”

Mike Andrus added:
“Food, because I need food after I retire. The company pays for the fuel, so yeah, that’s not important.”

Some just liked the comfort of always having a meal covered:

• Bill Mancini: “Free food! I’m not planning on dying in this truck!”
• Billy Wilson: “Food, because I hate leaving the house.”
• Andrew Young: “My food bill is MUCH higher than my fuel bill.”

Others saw food as more essential to survival:

• Alicia Bonneville Hays: “You can’t consume fuel. You can survive without driving anywhere if necessary.”
• Paul Richards: “Food.”
• Terry Davies: “Food.”
• Jennie Brinker: “Food.”

Company Drivers vs. Owner-Operators

It’s clear that whether you’re a company driver or an owner-operator plays a significant role in how you answered.

Company drivers leaned heavily toward food since their fuel was already covered, but owner-operators saw free fuel as a serious financial win.

This question also brought out some creative and humorous responses. Jackie Lee joked:
“I would rather have the free fuel. If I got free food, I would eat it all and gain 1000 pounds! HAHA!!”

Can’t Choose? Some Want Both

A few people couldn’t decide.

• Harley Courtney said: “Both.”
• Julia Wojdacz agreed: “Both!”
• Rennie Thiessen: “BOTH … LOL”
• Timothy Eakles: “May I have both please and thank you?”

So… What Would You Choose?

Whether you’re team free fuel or food forever, one thing’s clear — truck drivers know how to think things through. These everyday choices aren’t just about dollars; they reflect what matters most to drivers balancing long hours, tight budgets, and life on the move.

Want to weigh in on questions like this and connect with thousands of other drivers who get it? Join the Truck Drivers USA Facebook community conversation — your place to swap stories, get support, and stay in the know.

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The MATS Pro Talks Education Series is back, offering a packed schedule of sessions designed to help drivers and trucking professionals stay ahead in the industry. From business strategies to industry insights, these sessions provide valuable knowledge for anyone looking to sharpen their skills.

For those who love custom trucks, the PKY Truck Beauty Championship will showcase some of the most impressive rigs on the road. Competing trucks will be on display in Lot N, giving attendees a chance to see some of the best builds in the business up close. The MATS Big Rig Build-Off also returns, featuring five custom truck builders going head-to-head.

Drivers bringing their rigs to MATS can take advantage of the Truck Parking Community at 1032 Phillips Lane, right across from the main entrance. A free shuttle runs between the lot and the Expo Center during show hours. The lot isn’t just for parking—it’s a gathering spot with free coffee and espresso from Mudflap on Thursday and Friday (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Before Friday night’s concert with Colt Ford and Tony Justice, Fistful of Tacos will be serving free tacos and nachos to the first 400 guests from 5:30-7 p.m.

Many exhibitors will also have special events, giveaways, and new products on display. Shell Rotella’s booth will feature an interactive experience with trucking personalities like the Boston Trucker, Clarissa Rankin, and Tarik Al-Amin II. Attendees can record a message in the Shell Rotella Recording Studio to thank a trucker or share their own story, with donations going to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund will also hold a silent auction and 50/50 raffle at the MATS Opening Reception on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A $1 donation at the SCF booth will let attendees spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes.

Other highlights include:

• Heatso offering a limited-time 10% discount on its Fresco 9000 MaXX electric auxiliary air-conditioning unit.
• Mother Trucker Yoga is introducing new wellness programs for CDL schools and fleets, alongside live demos and wellness products.
• Right Weigh showcasing its latest Bluetooth-enabled onboard load scales for better load management.
• RealTruck RoadWorks debuting new HALO GLOW LEDs and accessories for the Peterbilt 589.

MATS is always a great place to connect with fellow truckers, industry experts, and exhibitors. TDUSA President Lori Furnell will also be in attendance. Be sure to say hi if you run into her!

Source: Overdrive

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