At Impress Communications the Highcon Laser Die-Cutter Opens Up a World of Possibilities The Highcon Laser Die-Cutter is a marvel of technology and engineering that represents a complete shift and new era for the design industry. This machine gives designers the power to envision and create artwork in ways that were previously impossible. The precision and flexibility of cutting with lasers, as opposed to the traditional method of using bent lengths of steel rule, removes the previous limitations associated with regular die-cutting. Now, a designer can strip away intricate sections of paper, leaving dramatic reveals of the substrate or product beneath. These kinds of paper layering techniques create a compelling impression with a brand’s end user, and allow creatives to reimagine what can be done with belly bands and sleeves, folding cards or french fold panels, and any kind of package that features a window.

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.3% in April after increasing 2.3% in March. In April, the index equaled 114.7 (2015=100) compared with 115.1 in March. “After a revised increase in March of 2.3%, the April index declined just slightly,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “The outlook is solid for tonnage going forward as the country approaches pre-pandemic levels of activity, with strong economic growth in key areas for trucking – including retail, home construction and even manufacturing. “Additionally, the index increased on a year-over-year basis for the first time since March 2020. Part of the reason for the gain was due to an easy comparison with when the index fell significantly in April 2020,” he said. “But I’m expecting increases, albeit smaller than April’s, on a year-over-year basis going forward. Trucking’s biggest challenges are not on the demand side, but on the supply side, including difficulty finding qualified drivers.”

Oil prices recorded their largest one-day drop in two weeks on Thursday, with expectations building that OPEC will end an output deal that has been in place since the start of 2017 due to concerns about supplies from Venezuela and Iran. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries may decide in June to lift output to make up for reduced supply from Iran and Venezuela and in response to concerns from Washington about a rally in oil prices, OPEC and oil industry sources told Reuters. Click Read More below for additional information.