"We're seeing historically low fuel prices, and that's obviously a positive in our industry, not just from a cash outflow standpoint and for capital standpoint,but also from a mindset standpoint for our customer. They are seeing their rates - relative to how they pay - they're seeing their rates (with the lower fuel surcharges) go down."
- Eric Fuller, president and COO at U.S. Xpress
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"We haven't had as many customers asking questions about gas mileage on a vehicle. I've had myself quite a few customers where I'm pushing fuel efficient vehicles and they're going toward more power and towing. That's most definitely a change."
- Chad Cushen, product specialist at Long of Chattanooga
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"As a delivery driver, I'm making more money than I ever had. Gas prices are half the price of a gallon of milk. You can't beat that. It's been great, honestly. We get minimum wage plus tips. Gas comes straight out of my pocket. If we keep going lower, I won't be complaining."
- Ted Bryant, 21, driver for Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches in downtown Chattanooga
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"Lower gas prices help build consumer confidence and add more disposable income to the average person's budget. This can be a contributing factor for travelers taking more frequent weekend trips to Chattanooga from our core drive markets. But it's not the only factor."
- Thom Benson, spokesman for the Tennessee Aquarium