FMCSA Increases Random Drug Test Rates

With the always heightening safety concerns in the transportation sector, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to double the minimum rate for random drug tests of truck drivers. This announcement came just prior to the launch of the heavily anticipated drug and alcohol clearinghouse.  The minimum rate for random drug testing will […]

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Will Pennsylvania Raise Gas Taxes Again?

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, 12 Northeastern states and Washington D.C., including Pennsylvania, are weighing a regional program that would raise the price of gasoline.  The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) defines their program as a “bipartisan group or Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Jurisdictions” looking to “achieve additional benefits through reduced […]

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Holiday Shopping Leads to Unexpected Partnerships

During the holiday season millions of gifts are purchased and exchanged among family and friends however, the amount of merchandise that gets returned has increased exponentially over the last several years.  According to CBRE and Optoro, Americans are projected to return $41.6 billion in online holiday merchandise this year, up from $37 billion returned last […]

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A Great Finish to 2019

Today, stocks stalled out near record highs which remain on track to be their best year in a decade. Optimism about the global economy is still at the fore as the U.S. and China continue to improve on trade relations.

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The East Mediterranean Pipeline

Leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Israel are planning to sign an agreement early in the new year for the construction of a new natural gas pipeline. In Athens on January 2nd, the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will meet to sign the agreement. The deal […]

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Light Liquidity

As the end of this week winds down and people prepare for the holidays next week, light liquidity will most likely be the name of the game in our energy markets. Light liquidity means trading volume is lower than normal which is to be expected during this time of year. Therefore, the bid/ask spreads are […]

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China Reduces Oil Products Tariffs

The volatility of the China-United States trade war may finally be slowing down.  Only a few days after agreeing to phase one of a new trade deal, China has announced a one-year tariff exemption on six chemical and oil derivatives, a positive sign that tensions are easing, and progress is being made.  These exemptions become […]

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Digital Freight

It is no secret that 2019 has not been kind to the trucking industry.  In 2018, 310 freight companies were forced to close down.  During the first half of 2019 alone, that number was approximately doubled, showing 640 closures.  Looking at data like this, you can understand why the trucking industry is looking for ways […]

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A New Number One

Saudi Aramco had its long-awaited initial public offering (IPO) last week debuting on the Tadawul, Saudi Stock Exchange at a valuation of $1.88 trillion.  Aramco’s public debut made it the world’s largest IPO ever, toppling the previous record holder Alibaba in 2014 when they raised $25 billion.  When the market closed today in the capital […]

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