Fuel for Thought

How Harvey Helped

Hurricane Harvey had a bigger impact on our country as a whole than it did just in the immediate areas it directly impacted. While it certainly affected many Americans directly as the storms moved in and caused widespread flooding, property damage and loss of life, it also caused disruptions to the oil and gas supply chain. With relief efforts underway, many Americans from all over the country flocked to the affected areas to provide assistance to those in need. First responders are often thought of as police, EMT, FEMA, the Red Cross and Fire Departments as well as power companies, but also large numbers of truckers also went to do their part. Supplies needed to brought in and the trucking community answered the calls.

People from all over the country joined together with a common goal, help their fellow Americans in their time of need.

Many truckers joined in to provide relief supplies, many were volunteering their time and equipment, while others went as a business opportunity. Regardless of the financial outcome of the trucks and drivers who went to flooded areas to help, all were doing their part and felt the need to help, all while putting themselves and their equipment at risk of becoming a victim of circumstance. 

During this time, there were a few reports of some of society’s dregs taking advantage of flood victims and small pockets of looters, but overall, Americans set aside their differences to help out their fellow Americans. Not once have I heard of any racial tensions over a piece of marble or stone, and I surely didn’t see anyone turn down help because of their color.

Hurricane Harvey brought enormous devastation to a large area, but it seemed to also bring with it a reminder to Americans, that together we are a strong nation and we can work and live together peacefully.

Something else Harvey brought to the U.S. as far as the trucking industry is concerned is capacity issues. The industry has seen an uptick in rates in the past several months. With so many trucks now working to help relief efforts and the increase in demand in general, it seems as though the rates would continue to increase. More demand and less capacity can be good for owner operators as the challenge increases for shippers to find trucks available for their loads.

The current forecast is for rates to continue to remain elevated or even rise, while just a few short months ago there was a lack of demand and freight rates were low, hopefully many used that time to prepare for this upturn and are now able to reap the rewards.

If the disruption in the gas/oil supply lines remain long enough, fuel prices will continue to rise as well. With that, everyone should closely monitor their Fuel Surcharge rates to help offset the rising costs.

 

See you down the road,

Greg

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