US Perspective on the Iran - Israel / US War

[PakFactor]

You and I could indeed have some good conversations about this.

Indeed, we will, as more data starts to come out.

Now, let me throw something else in: Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS), with its fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles, if it separates and becomes standalone, would be the top model to replicate if small- and medium-sized carriers want to survive.

Except they will be hurt, in a position where they will not be able to invest and adjust due to the top carriers' scale, and absorb the high asset depreciation, etc.

......but per Mr. Raptor, it would be a win regardless - even if you become top-heavy.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

So, I sent back and did the math. Using Costco pricing for gasoline, in just a couple of weeks' time the price has increased 14%.

I track my fuel purchases. Have for many years. If I go back to the start of the current conflict, gas is up $1.41 per gallon since the start of the current conflict. A 47.1% increase.

My average gallons per fill-up is 15.507. At the price at the start of the conflict that would have been $46.35. Under the current price, it is $68.22; $21.87 more. I typically get gas every other week. For those who get it more frequently, that cost adds up fast. How many families are having to consider what other expenditure may need to be deferred or even canceled as a result. Not adjusting for the trip to Ohio this summer and back, I've put gas in my DD 51 times. That is $1115 more in fuel cost based on today's pricing. $$-costing the average price, it's still $864 more than prior to the start of the conflict. Or a 36.5% increase. And, I'm not taking into account Mrs. AZ's DD. Only my own.

The average price of #2 diesel national was $3.72 a gallon in February. Today, I saw one station at $6.19. That is a 66% increase in 7 months. 66%! If you're a trucker, that is no "extra twenty bucks" at the pump. And if you're an LTL, that cost per load just went up considerably.

This is real impact that many are feeling. Or seeing downstream somewhere.

How anyone can chalk this up as a win is incomprehensible to me.

 

[Davey Crockett]

According to Gas Buddy, my truck stop in Oklahoma just raised the price of diesel another 20-cents to $6.44 a gallon.

About a month ago, it was about $4.50 a gallon.

This is oil and cattle country, also home of Phillips Petroleum. People are getting pissed.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

According to Gas Buddy, my truck stop in Oklahoma just raised the price of diesel another 20-cents to $6.44 a gallon.

About a month ago, it was about $4.50 a gallon.

This is oil and cattle country, also home of Phillips Petroleum. People are getting pissed.

Rightly so.

Did I post in one of the threads here or maybe it was a text to someone that after getting gas, I took a drive through downtown. Now, bear in mind I live in a very red area. I saw anti-Trump protest at the courthouse over the high prices, etc. Six months ago that would have been inconceivable. People are feeling it. Especially the retirees and there are quite a few. Including me.

 

[Davey Crockett]

Rightly so.

Did I post in one of the threads here or maybe it was a text to someone that after getting gas, I took a drive through downtown. Now, bear in mind I live in a very red area. I saw anti-Trump protest at the courthouse over the high prices, etc. Six months ago that would have been inconceivable. People are feeling it. Especially the retirees and there are quite a few. Including me.

Retired people can choose to stay home more often. What about those who live in rural areas who have to burn up four gallons of fuel to get to and back from work everyday?

Regular gas here in my area now approaching $4/gallon. Back of envelope math - that's $16/day in fuel expense, or $2/hour worked.

I am looking like a genius snatching up one of the few jobs here in this small town Oklahoma while many around me are becoming poorer.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

You've a better grasp than most when it comes to the actual cost. FWIW, during a good part of my career I was classified as In-Home Office. I also maintained two offices in the PHX area; one in Tempe and the other in our west valley distribution center. To the west valley it was 60 miles round trip or a bit over 3 gallons of gas. To your point, that's $12 a day in fuel. Some weeks I wasn't out there at all or I'd be on travel. Other times, such as peak season, I'd be out there 6 sometimes 7 days a week.

Adds up fast. For someone working at $20 an hour like our hourly employees in the warehouse, after taxes, pretty much the first hour of their shift went to pay for the cost of fuel to get there and home.

 

[Davey Crockett]

I am on the front lines when people get their gas, coffee, cigarettes and snacks every morning.

Most have cut out the donuts and snacks. They have to have their coffee and cigarettes to get through another day. Fuel is not optional.

Used to get one or two $100 bills each morning, now 6-7.

Shhh! For my regular customers, I sometimes do not charge them for fountain drinks or coffee and they will pick up a snack. Every little bit helps.

Saw something the other morning. A man who has a decent job lost his cool and stormed out of the truck stop. He was on his phone looking at his debit card balance. Couldn't afford his morning energy drink.

Seeing more of this as fuel prices skyrocket.