It wasn't too long ago that fuel prices were lingering between $3.80 and $4.40 per gallon. At that point many companies took an aggressive stance on fuel conservation. However, for most it was just a flavor of the month. Many companies jumped on the U.S. EPA "SmartWay" bandwagon, which is designed to improve fuel efficiencies and reduced the environmental impact. That is all well and good but unfortunately, if a company doesn't have an aggressive fuel conservation program in place, being "SmartWay" certified should be considered consistent with permitting the tail to wag the dog. Or maybe Ready, Shoot, Aim is a more apt metaphor.... Read More

Diesel fuel prices are going higher because the Department of Energy told us so last week. A few days after the DOE said diesel fuel prices were going higher, your oil friends and mine, OPEC, raised the 2011 oil demand forecast. Just a month ago, OPEC had said growth would be slow and $70-$80 would be the right price for a barrel of oil (making diesel fuel prices around $2.95 a gallon). OPEC has now changed their tune, saying the economy is growing much faster than they thought. Common sense would say no problem; they'll just produce more oil to keep fuel prices at around $2.95 a gallon.... Read More