National Average Price for Regular – Current: $2.474; Month Ago: $2.548; Year Ago: $2.198. National Average Price for Diesel – Current: $2.840; Month Ago: $2.802; Year Ago: $2.426.

Congress recently adjourned for its annual August recess following a productive July session that was punctuated by a number of significant wins for our industry. These victories would not have been possible without ATA’s repeated engagements with Capitol Hill. ATA experts are in regular contact with congressional leaders and staff to educate them on the trucking industry and effective policies that can best support fleets and drivers. *Improvements to young driver apprenticeship program advanced. *Base access provision included in NDAA. *House moved bill to overturn California’s destructive mandates. *Resolution opposing NYC congestion pricing breaks partisan gridlock. *ATA presses provision to protect independent contractor model. *ATA renews push to repeal FET.

West Texas Intermediate futures rose 0.5 percent, following a 1.7 percent increase last week, when they hit a three-year high. Rigs drilling for crude fell by five to 742 in the seven days ended Jan. 5, according to Baker Hughes data Friday. Hedge funds retreated from the most bullish stance on WTI in 10 months during the week ended Jan. 2. “A drop in active oil rigs is usually bullish for oil prices,” said Michael Poulsen, an analyst at Global Risk Management Ltd. Oil had its strongest opening week for any year since 2013 as U.S. stockpiles continue to shrink. Click Read More below for additional information.