P.M. Executive Briefing - Feb. 28
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Even if Oil-Supply Headache Eases, Political, Economic Effects Will Linger
Although Energy Secretary Bill Richardson's trip through oil-producing countries brought indications that OPEC is to mull an increase in production, the tight oil supply will have a continued effect on U.S. politics and the country's economy.Three presidential aspirants have said how they would fight the problem: George W. Bush urged further exploration for Alaskan oil and increased natural-gas usage and said the Clinton Administration has not pressed OPEC hard enough; John McCain and Bill Bradley have said they would effect price decreases by using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Spot oil prices could go down if the oil cartel decides on March 27 to raise production, but the extra supply might not hit U.S. markets for at least six weeks after that.
Iraq's oil minister called on OPEC to resist the U.S. call for higher production and said his country might lower production more if the United Nations keeps limits on certain Iraqi imports.
The Clinton administration is still trying to decide whether to release oil from the reserve; Petroleum Industry Research Foundation Chairman John H. Lichtblau predicts such a measure would not affect prices much, a sentiment apparently shared by some officials at the Treasury Department. Wall Street Journal (02/28/00) P. A42; Fialka, John J.
TTMA Works on Chemical Vapor Recovery
The Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association is proposing an industry standard for vapor recovery line configurations on chemical tanks to improve safety and parts availability and reduce costs, according to John Cannon of Brenner Tank.In order to control air pollution, the American Petroleum Institute developed an industrywide standard for petroleum tanks. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency is targeting organics, and TTMA is leading the effort to create a similar standard because chemical producers and their organizations have not done so.
Joe Goodine of Betts Industries said vapor recovery standards for specific product categories may be needed because different chemicals have different properties. The TTMA will need to consult the shippers and receivers, include them in training programs, and design a simple system that is easy to maintain. Modern Bulk Transporter (02/00) Vol. 62, No. 8; P. 72
What Air Discs Could Do for Safety in Your Small Fleet
Dana Corp.'s Spicer Heavy Axle and Brake Division and Meritor Automotive are both selling tractor braking systems using air disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the drive axle, lowering stopping distance about 10%. The systems also cost less than a tractor with all disc brakes would and are more practical for use with trailers that have drum brakes.Powerful disc brakes on the front axle do not cause problems like steering wheel pull that cause drivers to be wary of front axle brakes, and they are not susceptible to the "ovality," self-energization, and fading at high temperatures that cause changes in drum-brake torque.
The safety gain from the shorter stopping distance could make it worthwhile to pay more for front axle disc brakes. Owner Operator (02/00) Vol. 30, No. 1; P. 3; Baxter, John
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