'Science fiction': Transport companies — the backbone of economy — are sounding alarm on fuel prices

Transportation companies, the lifeblood of the U.S. economy , are flashing warning signs as diesel costs hit records. Prices for diesel, the fuel type used to power trucks and trains, came in at an all-time high of around $6.31 per gallon on Wednesday, according to AAA . Diesel prices have surged more than 70% from a year ago, which analysts attribute to the supply shock from the U.S. war with Iran. "We have seen some of the most radical and abnormal swings in fuel prices that I think we've ever seen," said Brad Delco, finance chief at trucking company J.B. Hunt , at an industry conference hosted by Morgan Stanley. Delco said to expect a drop in earnings between 5% and 10% from the second to third quarter as a result of higher costs. Shares of J.B.