Critical News & Information for Businesses
that Depend on Fuel and Fuel Services
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| Check The Weather
If you thought the weather was unpredictable (not you Joe B in Arizona) check the stock market, oil market or supermarket. The stock market gives up over 700 points in one day. Every S&P 500 stock went down except Campbell's Soup (soup is good for you even when the market crashes). The next day it gains almost 500 points. Can anyone explain this to me? Do we have faith that Congress got that much smarter? If we felt that way then why did so many people sell on Monday? Click here
Oil, oh oil, that crazy fluid that makes most of the country run. Last Monday, September 22nd, trading had to come to a halt because prices soared. This Monday, September 29th, trading had to come to a halt because prices dove. The oil market price graph for the last week looks like something you would see from a seismograph when an earthquake is happening. The oil market will continue to go crazy over the next several months. We believe it will trade between $90-$115 a barrel given "normal conditions". Yes, normal, which means Venezuela, Russia and others like them continuing to cause confusion for the market place . The U.S. dollar is trying to do something in this global economy with the Euro and Yen. Does anyone think China is no longer an issue for oil? Don't be fooled. They are having an Olympic hangover and will be strong for a long time. As the U.S. market begins to normalize after the hurricanes, we will see gas as low as $3.00 and people will start to drive more again, if they have any place to go. This is normal. All bets are off if another hurricane hits the Gulf of Mexico, if Iraq takes a stronger position about nuclear weapons and if it's a colder than normal winter that hits too early.
Let the fun begin and tune in to your local weather person, for as often as they are right that is how often the analysts are right. | |
| Greetings!
So the economy is in the tank. Fuel is still outrageously expensive, the outcome of the economic bail out proposal is uncertain and the race for the Presidency is too close to call.
I have just returned from several guest speaking events in different parts of the country and it is very clear that the cost of fuel is a huge concern for all companies. How big? Judging by the number of calls I am receiving, it is paramount among business owners, big and small, that they overcome this obstacle.
There is some surprise and disbelief when we inform our potential clients that there is much we can do when it comes to grinding down the price they are currently paying for fuel. Sure, there is a cost associated with our program, but who wouldn't spend $1 to save $3.
Saving money is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our services. We have a staff of professionals with years of industry expertise to assist with budgeting, auditing and negotiating.
It's an innovative approach, to be sure, but one that is proven to work time and time again.
Sincerely,
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Sokolis Solutions
Fraud Prevention Tips
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DOE Prices
as of Sept. 29, 2008
US = $3.959
EastCst = $4.020
NewEng = $4.077
CenAtl = $4.073
LwrAtl = $3.992
Midwst = $3.936
GulfCst = $3.929
RkyMt = $3.944
WCst = $3.941
CA = $3.963
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Your company can help lead the country in Environmental Stewardship with these 3 Golden Rules.
-Recycle
-Reuse
-Reduce |
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NOT A SOKOLIS GROUP CLIENT?
Contact us online or call 267-482-6155
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Sokolis Strategic Alliances
Here is a selection of companies with whom we share a strategic relationship. These companies do not pay to be promoted by us, however, we feel strongly that they can help your company.
41 pounds
Carbon Fund 
UPS Logistics 
Smartway 
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Testimonial
"Our manager's are so busy with day to day activities that the purchase of fuel is understandably not the top priority to us. Tracking of every fuel purchase and shopping for best retail fuel prices can not always occur in our operations on a daily basis. In addition, we were not really looking at the very method in which we fuel, nor did we truly investigate the practicality or potential bottom line savings. The decision to enlist Sokolis Group as our fuel management consultant has allowed our manager's to concentrate more on their day to day activities and leave the fuel management to them. We have just begun using Sokolis, but we are already saving thousands of dollars from what we were spending and we have piece of mind that we are utilizing the best method of fueling for the location, all of our transactions are being looked at for proper pricing and all of these transactions are monitored for any potential fraud."
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Gustav And Ike - Gone....
Country Still Feels The Aftermath With Fuel
Our hearts and thoughts go out to the many who suffered any type of loss as a result of the two storms; Gustav
and Ike.
As a fuel information outlet we will stay focused on what we know, fuel. At least 46 million barrels of motor-fuel output was lost between August 30th and September 19th, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
If you were in Atlanta this past weekend there was a good chance you waited in a line of 12 or more cars to get fuel. Obtaining diesel fuel was not any easier with tractor trailers waiting in lines three or more deep at the truck stops that actually had inventory. Be prepared. Click here
Most of these issues have stressed the Southeastern section of the country more than any other place. This is primarily due to the pipeline system in that area, and as far north as New Jersey, relying upon the Colonial Pipeline. There are places along the coast which can receive barge deliveries of fuel but large cities, like Atlanta and Charlotte, cannot. When less fuel was put into the pipeline due to back-to-back hurricane interruptions it caused these supply issues. The insight we have received confirms that these issues will continue for the next several weeks. |
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"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."
John F. Kennedy
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What Keeps CFO's Up At Night?
In a recent survey from CFO.com there are 3 major concerns CFO's have:
As a financial person or CFO of a firm what can you do to reduce the cost of fuel? Click here
1. Review your current processes
2. Who on your staff or outsource team is assigned to review your costs?
3. Are your finance or operations people on the same page?
REMEMBER, you are all working very hard, just be sure it is in the same direction.
"A 5% reduction in transportation costs has the same P&L impact as a 30% increase in sales."
-Gartner Group
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Is your company decentralized?
Click here for fuel program help. |
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Tire Maintenance
Can Help You Save Fuel Costs
Tire costs are No. 2 on most operating budgets, right behind fuel, which ranks No. 1. Why not reduce both costs by checking those tires? Click here to learn more
1. Tire inflation pressure- sure you have heard this one before, even from us, but it's like telling your kids to take out the garbage. It won't get done until we nag you into it. Don't check your tires with thumpers either. Use calibrated tire gauges only. Check often; daily, weekly and by different personnel.
2. Rotate your tires to maximize casing life.
3. Check tire alignment. Be sure to check the total axle alignment. Having your truck drive straight will reduce irregular tire wear.
4. Components worn? Check shocks, king pins, bearings and steering components regularly. If any of these areas are worn to excess it will make your tires less efficient and therefore reduce your fuel economy.
5. Periodic tire inspections- look, touch and measure your tread depth. Looking over your tires, checking the depth and touching for sidewall damage or uneven tread wear will help save on your overall tire cost.
In short, a well-maintained tire program will lead to:
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November Is Election Time  Fuel Lines will have a new survey out in November. Your participation is essential to help identify and understand the issues you are facing with your fleet. Your answers may be blindly shared with government energy departments, truck manufacturers or oil companies. Again, we strongly urge your participation in our FUEL '08 survey coming in November.
Your vote counts! | |
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