Welcome to the Fuel Matters Blog

So far this fall has brought us near record highs in parts of the Northeast, with some areas breaking through 90 degrees. Leaving many to feel that we may continue to have a warmer fall and maybe even a milder winter. However, if you take a look at the forecast we could start to see a drop rather quickly. With next week’s forecast showing evening temperature drops to the low 40’s, we could see the need for winterized fuel approach sooner rather than later.

Next week Pittsburgh Pennsylvania welcomes the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC).  The competition is each year by the American Trucking Association (ATA) and is slated to take place 8/14-8/17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  As stated by the ATA, this long standing competition “has a long history – dating back to 1937 when it was known as the National Truck Roadeo”.

Alternative energy is certainly an interesting concept in many aspects. Often referred to as “Clean Energy,” alternatives can also include solar, wind and water based production. As our current world tries to push for a change on how power is sourced, there has been an effort and an investment to change from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gasses towards alternatives to create sustainable and inexpensive options for energy production.

Shortly after closing the doors in Lordstown, OH, GM is in discussions to sell the facility to an Electric Truck company named Workhorse.  GM made the decision in November to close down four U.S. based production plants, one of which was located in Lordstown, OH and home of the Chevrolet Cruze Sedan.  According to Tom Colton, head of investor relations for Workhorse, the talks are still in the preliminary stages.  There is no time table for speculation of the potential returning jobs to the area.  The United Autoworkers Union (UAW) has a different agenda in mind.  The UAW is trying to push for a reemergence of a petrol powered vehicle plant in the old GM facility, speculated to harbor more employees than Workhorse.

There are plenty of topics to look at when judging demand. Whether it be demand for fuel, freight, or drivers there are different signals to take into consideration. Traditionally for fuel it can be judged daily by taking a look at price spikes or drops. Then freight demand can be assessed seasonally or monthly by online load boards posted by brokerages.