P.M. Executive Briefing - June 22
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Clinton Says No "Economic Explanation" For Rising Fuel Costs
President Clinton said the reformulated gasoline requirement should have added no more than 3 cents a gallon to the price of gasoline and there is no "economic explanation" for the recent spike in fuel costs, Reuters reported today.Although OPEC announced Wednesday it would raise its crude oil output by 3%, U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said he was not sure if the increase of 708,000 barrels a day would result in lowering prices at the pump. At best the increase might stabilize oil prices, he added.
Gasoline prices, meanwhile, have surged in the Midwest, with reformulated gas selling for over $2 a gallon in Chicago and Milwaukee. The Federal Trade Commission announced last week that it was conducting a probe into the price spike, saying it will question a half-dozen oil refiners about the Midwestern gasoline situation. Transport Topics staff
Volvo Trucks Laying Off 70 Employees
Declining sales and an oversupply of used vehicles has led Volvo Trucks to lay off 70 employees in High Point, N.C., effective Friday as well as 30 more at the factory in Dublin, Va., and regional sales officials. Volvo will provide the employees with outplacement help and three to six months' severance pay. Associated Press (06/22/006 Nabbed in Toronto Trailer Theft Ring
Authorities have arrested six men in a six-month investigation of Toronto-area truck cargo theft dubbed "Project Rush." According to police, the theft ring was able to put cargo onto the "grey market" that is, selling it via different companies to make the goods appear legitimate. Police were able to track and recover the loads so quickly that at times the victimized companies were not even aware they had been stolen. Toronto Sun (06/22/00) P. 33; Schmied, JohnToronto's Truck World 2000 Will Include Job Fair
The leading Canadian trucking show Truck World 2000, set for Sept. 14-16 in Toronto, will include the first Truck World Job Fair. Ontario Trucking Association President David Bradley says exhibitors are invited to hold recruitment "right on the show floor," with 8,000 square feet of show space to be earmarked for that purpose. Edmonton Sun (06/22/00) P. S7Trucker Group Plans Fund-Raiser for Fla. Children's Program
The Florida group Truckers Love Children has planned two shows Saturday to raise money for its Kids Marshals Office project, which teaches kids to be respectful and do positive things. The proceeds will fund the purchase of a truck that will crisscross Florida promoting the outreach program.The fundraisers, to be held at the Florida Sunshine Opry in Eustis, will feature a performance by Ron Hale, founder of Truckers Love Children and former lead singer of the Rhondells; there will also be an auction for an unreleased record. Orlando Sentinel (06/22/00) P. 2, Lake Sentinel Section
Monthly Award Recognizes Alberta Drivers Who Have 'Right Stuff'
Each month, the Alberta Trucking Industry Safety Association picks one truck driver each from northern and southern Alberta are chosen by the as Driver of the Month. ATISA's John Tessier says the award criteria include "good deeds the driver has done over the years ... a good customer service record and a good driving record," as well as incident-free miles.Tessier says the award also exists to bring about a better relationship between trucking companies and regulators. Any trucking company in the province can nominate drivers, who are then screened by the nominating committee. One winner is later chosen by the ATISA as Alberta's Driver of the Year, who is eligible for consideration as Canada's Truck Driver of the Year. According to Tessier, drivers consider these awards quite prestigious. Edmonton Sun (06/22/00) P. S10; McGowan, Gary
Compiled by Transport Topics staff and INFORMATION, INC. © 2000
