KINGSTON, PA — Even though gas prices across the nation have dropped about 45 cents in the past month, fuel costs continue to be an issue for companies that rely on vehicle fleets for various services. The Diamond Glass Companies – Diamond Auto Glass and Triumph Auto Glass — are no exception.

The companies have just introduced a new pilot program to test the introduction of fuel surcharges in three key U.S. markets. This program is designed to measure consumer and non-contract commercial responses to the introduction of a fuel surcharge for remote, on-site automotive glass installation services. The company said this approach to coping with rising fuel costs is intended to offer consumers more options in response to rising overhead costs. This pro-active pilot program will test and measure consumer reactions to the introduction of fuel surcharges and will provide Diamond Glass Companies with valuable research data and key insights into consumer opinions and purchasing patterns.

“Rising fuel costs are an issue that most industries have already dealt with,” said Duane Hromada, Diamond’s VP of national field sales. “In the auto glass industry, many companies, including Diamond Glass Companies, have been absorbing this additional expense for several months in anticipation of a decline in gas prices. The costs involved in operating this business continue to rise, while the prices for windshield installations by your local shop continues to decrease.”

Diamond’s Fuel Surcharge Test Program offers consumers the option to pay a small surcharge for remote installation service, or choose to bring their vehicles to one of Diamond’s 240 nationwide locations, “at their discretion” to be serviced. The information gained from this pilot research program will enable Diamond Glass Companies to better-forecast consumer purchasing patterns throughout the U.S. and the glass industry as a whole.

To learn more about Diamond Glass Companies, visit: http://www.diamondglassco.com.