New England (MA, CT, ME, NH, VT, RI) So you think last year pellets were tough!!

This year is shaping up to be a very challenging year. Large demand from Europe, and Asia. Many of the Quebec mills now have significant export business. All shiping through the Port of Montreal. I have heard that LG between domestic and export is now oversold for the year. I know that very popular pellets in the Northeast including Vermont, Spruce Pointe, Okanagan reds have also sold out.Trucks will still be available from certain dealers but they are on allocation, which means they are only allotted a certain number of trucks and that's it. Another concern is trucking. It's very tough get trucks right now, and surcharges are way up. The only way to get product is to pay more for transportation. I talked to one large Ct. dealer and he told me he hasn't had a truck from his west virginia supplier in more than 6 weeks. Can't get trucks.Lastly and most important, even if production and demand were in line on a yearly basis, that's not how pellets are bought. When the first snow falls there won't be enough supply or trucks around to get pellets to dealers. There is no overhang of inventory from last year. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Gas prices are lower right now. I know this may be hard to believe, but with the economy getting better ( retail sales) pellets compete with every other commodity. Have a look in your grocery store to see how much prices have jumped, mostly due to increased transportation. Truckers were running at break evens or losses for the last few years. Too many trucks, not enough business. Even though they have seen fuel costs drop they have increased their rates so they can make a little money.