America's Truckin' Network

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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