Trucking Conditions Index Reflects Broadly Weaker Environment

Near-term outlook for trucking conditions remains stable with little growth expected in freight volume

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for September, at -2.94, was the lowest reading since May, reflecting a relatively weak environment for carriers. However, FTR does not forecast any further eroding of the TCI with an expected near-neutral measure through the first half of 2020.

Avery Vise, vice president of trucking, commented, “The near-term outlook for trucking conditions remains stable with little growth expected in freight volume and no growth expected in active capacity. Risks to this outlook appear mostly negative, including the potential for higher diesel prices in the wake of impending changes in global maritime fuel requirements. However, the big questions are whether the industrial sector will improve or weaken further and whether consumer spending will remain a firewall against declines in overall freight volume.”

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