America's Truckin' Network

Winter has officially arrived, from Saturday, the shortest day of the year, the days get longer. The Government funding Bill got passed last week to avoid a Government shutdown, Kevin puts this into perspective. The AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act has once again been left out and not passed. Oil reacts to thin trading ahead of the Christmas holiday, reports of a crude oil supply surplus next year, concerns over the temporary halting of oil flow from Russia to many Eastern European countries over the weekend and Comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell regarding a slower pace of rate cuts next year.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rate for the third time this year; how will this affect your personal finances and the U.S. economy. The U.S. House and Senate have reached a compromise deal on a stopgap funding bill. With everything packed into the Bill one of the most important safety measures, that has had bipartisan support over the last two years was not included, Kevin has the details. U.S. November Class 8 sales have been reported, which brands are up and which are down. Oil reacts to U.S. crude oil stocks falling more the double what was expected; the Federal Reserve interest rate cut and rate cut

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Producer Price Index for November, Kevin has the details. Toll rates will rise in several states in 2025; which states will be affected, Kevin gives his thoughts about tolls, especially those on the Ohio Turnpike. Oil prices react to China's consumer spending data falling short of expectations, expected interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, profit taking and anticipated U.S. crude and distillate inventories falling.

Trucking CFOs and CEOs look to recovery in 2025 with tight budgets, Kevin talks about some of the cost cutting tips, asset usage, using technology, etc. Trucking, Logistics experience another strong Holiday Season, Kevin breaks down the information. DHL releases its 2024 Peak Season Shipping Survey. Oil reacts to the International Energy Agency raising oil demand growth forecast for 2025; Iran accepts tougher oversight at Fordow enrichment plant; higher inflation than expected; U.S. gasoline and distillate rising more than expected last week and expectations of crude oil demand in China.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its Small Business Optimism Index; the first since the November election. Kevin talks about the key points. The U.S. Labor Department's consumer price index has been released. Is inflation continuing to improve? Oil reacts to the European Union agreeing to an additional round of sanctions on Russia and targeting its "shadow fleet"; fuel inventories post larger-than-expected stock builds; OPEC cutting demand growth outlook for 2024 and 2025 for the fifth consecutive month and the anticipated rise in Chinese demand as Beijing plans economic growth boost.

After a weekend of logging 500 miles, travelling to one of our Christmas destination traditions and a new Christmas destination, I talked about what seems to be increased truck traffic. I also mentioned observing what appears to be an air of optimism. Over the past two decades, California has become a juggernaut of solar energy production. Are its residents reaping the benefits? How is it performing as an alternative energy model. Reminder, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024. To volunteer or donate please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

ADP released the number of private sector jobs added in November. How many are there, and how does that compare with the estimates? The U.S. Labor Department announced the weekly initial jobless claims; what do they tell us about the job market? Also reported were the number of people unemployed for 15 weeks or longer, good or bad news? The Commerce Department reported the November trade deficit numbers. Is it expanding or contracting? A meat plant is closing, the company; which company, in which State, and how many people will be affected? Oil reacts to OPEC+'s decision to delay oil production output increases until the end of the 1st quarter in 2025, estimates of an ample supply in 2025, the continuing shaky Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, and President-elect Trump's envoy traveling to Qatar and Israel to kick-start a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Tariff concerns propel Chinese exports to record heights, how is this affecting the trade balance and will it lead to a trade war? The Atlantic Hurricane Season has ended, the actual numbers and severity compared to the estimates and previous years. Kevin's reaction and the Trucking Industry's reaction to the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Secretary of Labor. Oil reacts to OPEC+'s imminent decision to extend production cuts, larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude stockpiles last week, the shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, South Korea's curtailed declaration of martial law and a rebel offensive in Syria that threatens to draw in forces from several oil-producing counties.

Thanksgiving weekend retail sales numbers are in; we have the data, ae the numbers up or down? R+L Carriers reopens former Yellow Corp. terminals, where are they? October Port Container volumes have been announced; which ports saw increases, which saw decreases and why? Oil reacts to the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel collapsing, OPEC+ likely to extend production cuts until the end of the first quarter in 2025 and weak global demand.

Capitol Christmas Tree arrives in Washinton D.C. from Alaska. Leave it to truckers to bring you Christmas cheer. Preliminary Retail sales numbers are coming in from Black Friday and the post-Thanksgiving "Cyber Week," we have the numbers; what does this tell us? Are the numbers up or down? Are there any hints of an increasing economy and/or an end to the trucking recession? Oil reacts to optimism around strong factory activity in China, offset by concerns that the Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates when they meet later this month, OPEC+'s decision to postpone their meeting until Dec. 5th to determine whether to delay a planned oil output increase, a shaky Lebanon-Israel ceasefire and a possible coup in Syria.

The Federal Reserve released the minutes of their November meeting, indicating their view on the labor market and whether they are satisfied with the progress of lowering inflation. How the auto industry slump is affecting parts supplier Bosch. October new home sales and home-price growth reports have been released, good news or bad news? Oil prices react to additional information regarding the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire which went into effect on Wednesday, additional information about whether OPEC+ will delay oil output increases, surprise gasoline inventories and crude oil inventories.

Consumer confidence reports released; what does it tell us? News regarding Stellantis, Ford Motor Co. and GM; are they displaying strength or weakness? Oil reacts to the Israel - Lebanon ceasefire, OPEC+ begins discussions to continue production cuts or increases, Trump threatens 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods unless they stem the massive flow of immigration and drugs across the borders, and anticipated crude oil stockpile data dew from the American Petroleum Institute.

Thanksgiving week, time to enjoy family and friends. Record number of people traveling this week, will the weather cooperate? Just in time for this travel week, some service workers at airports have gone on strike, which airports? We'll tell you. AAA adds electric vehicle charging data to its new "Fuel Prices" website. Oil reacts to reports that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to the terms of a ceasefire, OPEC+ considering keeping production cuts in place and the potential of the Russia-Ukraine war expanding to a wider conflict.

Trump names Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, what this will mean for the business community and the various data reports coming from the department. Trucking firms and members of the state Assembly call on NY Governor Hochul to delay EV mandates. Litigants allege EPA cannot legally mandate electric trucks. Oil reacts to escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, OPEC+ may delay output increases in December, China announcing policy measures to boost trade and increasing U.S. crude inventories. Phil Flynn, Senior Analyst Price Futures Group in his Energy Report points out that the incoming Trump Administration is signaling to the International Energy Agency to be more accurate in their data reporting. Also, Canadian oil companies are exploring the possibility of building pipelines and finishing the Keystone XL pipeline.

American Trucking Associations released the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index for October, good news or bad news. October Medium-Duty Sales reported by Wards Intelligence some increases and decreases. Merger and Acquisitions continue, who's buying and who is being acquired? Dockworkers and Railroad Unions contract negotiations are the clouds looming over the economy early next year, the issues and the chances of avoiding strikes. Oil reacts to the Russia-Ukraine war intensifying, U.S. vetoing a UN Security Council resolution for a Gaza ceasefire, OPEC+ possibly delaying output increases, full output capacity restored at a key North Sea oilfield, U. S. crude and gasoline inventories rising more than expected and anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

Trump chooses a former Congressman for the Department of Transportation Secretary; who is it, and what does it mean for infrastructure projects? Oil reacts to Norway's oilfield restarting production, reports of Iran offering to cap its uranium stockpile, Biden allowing Ukraine to use U.S. missiles to strike into the Russian homeland, and estimates that U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventories rose last week ahead of the upcoming report.

Leading freight companies prepare for trucking turnaround, who are they? Truck driver demand indications, up or down? AAA issued its latest prediction of how many people will travel over the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Tuesday Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2. Oil reacts to production halting at western Europe's largest oil field (located in Norway) due to an onshore power outage and Russia's war in Ukraine escalated over the weekend.

Truckload turnaround? Original Equipment Manufacturers give their forecasts for 2025. Wards Intelligence releases data on Class 8 truck sales, are they up or down? Climate summit, COP (Conference of the Parties) 29 opens in Baku, Azerbaijan with the President of Azerbaijan dropping a bomb shell. U.S. Department of Energy said that 200 million barrels of oil have been delivered to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, we do the math. Tropical Depression 19 expected to hit Honduras and neighboring countries. Oil holds steady.

Groups representing the trucking industry, construction sector, business community and others express optimism to an incoming Trump administration. American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark and National Association of Manufactures President and CEO Jay Timmons weigh in. Rush Truck Centers Gary Willis, VP of Marketing and Communications and Jody Pollard, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing join me to talk about the winner of the Rush sweepstakes for the last Peterbilt 389X, market outlook for the 4th Qtr. 2024, 2025 and much more. How will oil prices be affected by OPEC's lower demand forecast, the U.S. dollar advancing to a 7-month peak after inflation data, Saudi Crown Prince and Russia's Putin talking "close coordination" with OPEC+ and estimates of weekly crude oil inventory data.

Kevin discusses the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by a ¼ percentage point. Americas Commercial Transportation Research Co. released data on Class 8 Truck Orders for October, were they up or down? China and the European Union, a possible trade war? Oil reacts to OPEC's latest downward revision for demand growth, a stronger U.S. dollar and disappointment over China's latest stimulus plan.