Morning Minute | June 23, 2025

Heightened tensions in the Middle East have caused spot rates for large crude oil tankers from the Persian Gulf to China to surge over 50%. This surge comes after a U.S. attack on Iran and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a route for about 20% of the world's oil, equating to over $57,000 per day for a roundtrip charter.  Frederick W. Smith, who founded FedEx Express Corp. fifty-four years ago and revolutionized parcel delivery by using aircraft for overnight delivery, passed away over the weekend at the age of 80. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam stated that "Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx – its People-Service-Profit culture, values, integrity, and spirit," underscoring his profound impact.  The Supreme Court has weighed in on California's ability to create its own environmental regulations via waivers from the EPA, a ruling that was more procedural than substantive on regulatory lawmaking. This decision, which overruled a D.C. Circuit Court case regarding a challenge to California's Clean Cars One Act, could benefit how trucking groups fight state regulations impacting their industry going forward.  Don't miss What The Truck?!? live at noon today on FreightWaves TV, with the replay available on SiriusXM channel 146. Also, mark your calendars for the free Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd and the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., with a special combo ticket available for the latter and the Future of Freight Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices