From machine shops to manufacturing plants, passenger cars to commercial trucks and everywhere in between, contamination control is a challenge that must be met in any application where lubricants are needed. Contaminated lubricants can lead to long term damage to systems, greatly reducing their effective life.  For a business, this can mean repairs, equipment replacement […]

The Shale industry in the United States will be free cash flow positive for the first time by the end of 2018, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). According to the report, higher prices combined with operational and technological improvements are the driving factors behind reaching that level.  Production of shale […]

Russian scientists have discovered a new mineral while studying an iron meteorite found in Eastern Siberia in 2016. The mineral, called Uakitite, was discovered by researchers from the Geological Institute at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, as we all researchers from Ural Federal University and Novosibirsk State University. Because the crystals […]

Analysts from J.D Power Valuation Services have predicted an increase in truck sales and new vehicle deliveries for fleets in coming months. According to the company’s July report, a higher volume of trucks sold at auction in June and an apparent turn back towards a normal market are the primary reasons for the prediction.  June […]

Pennsylvania kicked off their inaugural Construction Opioid Awareness Week, which will run from July 22 to July 28. The state is asking construction companies to participate by holding educational sessions about opioids, informing employees of nearby prescription drug drop-off locations and engaging in other activities.  The week was made official with the passage of House […]

Crude oil supply losses could result in some OPEC nations having to draw from their spare production capacities, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). In its monthly report, the Paris-based IEA said disruptions in Venezuela, Iran and Libya will require other oil producing countries to increase their output.  Covering the shortage in supply will […]

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has denied a petition by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) to exempt small carriers from its electronic logging device mandate. Related: Check out our previous coverage here According to the Petroleum Marketer’s Association of America (PMAA), the reason for the denial will remain unknown until it is […]

Freight hauler Union Pacific has reported a slip in its key service metrics, believed to be driven by crew shortages and a tunnel collapse. According to sources, the company is recruiting heavily to alleviate lack of manpower, but lack of worker supply is making it difficult.  The large amount of vacations taken during the summer […]

This is part 2 of a 2 part series.  Read part 1 here. Demand for crude oil continued to increase as the industrial revolution continued.  Natural oils were insufficient in lubricating metal based machinery, so petroleum based lubricants became commonplace.  The first automobile had been made available in 1892, with the first Ford Model T […]

Oils and lubricants have played a major role throughout the history of the United States, from powering our industry to fueling our vehicles and everything in between. Even before the colonists arrived, Native Americans had used crude oil for various purposes.  Some used it for waterproofing and building and most believed it had medicinal properties.  […]