The war of words over trade between the United States and China finally turned into an actual trade war Friday, after the administration of President Donald Trump announced a list of goods whose import from China, worth $50 billion in 2017, would be subject to an additional tariff of 25 percent. Among the retaliatory measures announced by the Asian country was the proposed imposition of tariffs on imports of petroleum products from the U.S., a move that sent domestic crude oil prices crashing. The fall in WTI crude is not in tandem with the global benchmark, Brent crude, which was trading about 0.7 percent higher Monday morning than a day before. The two prices are separated by a few dollars, Brent usually costing more, but that gap has increased in recent weeks for a number of reasons. However, the different directions in trade at present are caused largely by China’s announcement. Click Read More below for additional information.

Christopher DeLetto has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Christopher has played a key role in advancing the company’s acquisition strategy and supporting long-term growth initiatives. Christopher succeeds his father, Ralph DeLetto, with whom he worked closely over the last year, and who generously shared his knowledge and experience to help prepare Christopher for this important leadership role. With a background in investment banking and private equity, Christopher brings strong financial expertise and strategic insight to MIDLAND. In his new role as CFO, he will oversee all financial functions of the company and play a key role in shaping MIDLAND’s strategic direction and continued growth. “Christopher has quickly become an important part of our leadership team,” said Mike Graves, President and Chief Executive Officer of MIDLAND. “He knows our business, he brings great financial skills, and he has a deep connection to MIDLAND’s history. Jim (O’Toole) and I are confident he’ll do a terrific job in his new role.”

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 0.2% in August after rising 1.1% in July. In August, the index equaled 115.3 (2015=100) compared with 115 in July. “The evidence is growing that tonnage hit bottom in April and continues its slow climb upwards,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “However, year-over-year comparisons remain difficult as tonnage peaked in September of last year. As a result, it is unlikely that tonnage turns positive compared with a year earlier for at least a month or two longer. Most recently, freight continues to be mixed, with consumer spending and factory output flat to down.” July’s increase was revised higher from our August 22 press release. Compared with August 2022, the SA index fell 2.3%, which was the sixth straight year-over-year decrease. In July, the index was down 1.2% from a year earlier.