FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) reflected slowing growth patterns for trucking transportation in January, the market research firm reported.
With a reading of 9.05, the index fell from a recent high of 10.88 in December. Current freight demand can easily be handled by current carrier capacity. However, the market will begin showing a reaction to the possible regulatory crisis coming in 2018, possibly moving the index into a double digit positive range by later this year.
While FTR forecasts a modest recovery from weak January truck loadings, the rebound will be in line with modest freight growth. As the current economic recovery is extended, market conditions are slowly slipping and becoming more volatile.
Details of the January TCI are found in the March issue of FTR’s Trucking Update, published March 1, 2016. The ‘Notes by the Dashboard Light’ commentary in the current issue looks at economic concerns on the horizon with possible recessionary scenarios. Along with the TCI and ‘Notes by the Dashboard Light,’ Trucking Update includes data and analysis on load volumes, the capacity environment, rates, costs, and the truck driver situation.
To access charts suitable to accompany this press release, go to http://info.ftrintel.com/l/66642/2015-08-26/3bmqkr