Oil prices rose steadied on Thursday, supported by signs of a tightening U.S. market but weighed down by ample supplies from OPEC producers. Benchmark Brent crude was up 5 cents at $52.41 a barrel by 1145 GMT. U.S. light crude was 5 cents higher at $49.64.

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.4% in September after rising 0.3% in August. In September, the index equaled 112.9 (2015=100) compared with 110.2 in August. “September’s sequential gain was the largest in 2021,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “It is good that tonnage rose in September, but it is important to note that this is happening because each truck is hauling more, not from an increase in the amount of equipment operated as contract carriers in the for-hire truckload market continue to shrink from the lack of new trucks and drivers. “The drivers of truck freight, including retail, construction, and manufacturing, plus a surge in imports, are helping keep demand high for trucking services,” he said.

Earlier this month we lost a paper industry legend and a dear friend to many.  This is a close-knit business we find ourselves in and the relationships we build stand the test of time.  And so, it was with Tom Gallagher. Affectionately known as Moose to his friends, Tom was born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1947. He left us on July 5 at the age of 77.  He lived his live to the fullest and those who knew him can attest to that.  Tom attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1977.  He remained a lifelong and loyal Buckeye.  Many of us got to know Tom as the sales leader at MEAD during the 80’s and 90’s where he spent a majority of his career.  After retiring from Mead Westvaco in 2003 he was recruited to work for the  West Linn Paper Company and subsequently finished his paper career at Port Hawkesbury.   Tom was larger than life in so many ways.  He filled a room with laughter and energy.  You would not find a more loyal friend and partner.  But you did not want to test his Irish temper.  He encountered physical challenges later in life and it never got him down.  His spirit prevailed and he was always ready for the call.  As the Irish say, “his likes will not be seen again”.  And so, we leave him to the rest of his journey and cherish the memories he created with us. Tom had 4 children and 9 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl (Rice) Gallagher.  Safe home Tom Gallagher.