Vertex Energy, Inc. engages in refining and marketing conventional and lower-carbon alternative transportation fuels. It operates through Refining and Marketing and Black Oil and Recovery segments. The Refining and Marketing segment manages the refining of crude oil and renewable feedstocks, and distributes finished products across the Southeastern U. S. through truck rack. The Black Oil and Recovery segment aggregates and manages the re-refinement of used motor oil and other petroleum by-products and sells the re-refined products to end customers. The company was founded by Benjamin P. Cowart in 2001 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.