Nashville, IN (November 19, 2012) FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for September basically remained unchanged from August with a reading -6.9. The range where the SCI has settled indicates the current status of stable but slightly tight truck capacity. Shippers should expect to see a gradual deterioration in shipping conditions as 2012 ends and throughout 2013 as freight demand slowly improves while impending regulations restrict driver productivity and hence, truck capacity. Details of the factors affecting the September Shippers Conditions Index are found in the November issue of FTR’s Shippers Update published November 8.
Nashville, IN (November 19, 2012) FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for September basically remained unchanged from August with a reading -6.9. The range where the SCI has settled indicates the current status of stable but slightly tight truck capacity. Shippers should expect to see a gradual deterioration in shipping conditions as 2012 ends and throughout 2013 as freight demand slowly improves while impending regulations restrict driver productivity and hence, truck capacity. Details of the factors affecting the September Shippers Conditions Index are found in the November issue of FTR’s Shippers Update published November 8.
Larry Gross, Senior Consultant for FTR, commented, “Shippers continue to enjoy a period of stability and limited increases in trucking rates for the moment. Uncertainty with regard to the future will continue at high levels until the outcome of ongoing “fiscal cliff” negotiations becomes clear. We are optimistic that the results of these discussions will not inflict great damage to the economy. With the re-election of President Obama, we can expect the current regulatory climate to remain in place. The conditions are therefore set for slow tightening in freight markets as we move through next year.”
Commentary included in the current issue of the Shippers Update explains in detail FTR’s methods for determining expected freight growth. For more information about how to subscribe to the Shippers Update, send an e-mail to sales@ftrassociates.com or call 888-988-1699 ext. 1.
The Shippers Update, launched by FTR Associates during 2010 as a part of the firm’s Freight Focus Series, looks at conditions that will affect the cost and efficiency of shipping goods via all transportation modes. North American shippers will find in one reference the essential information they need on freight volumes, equipment capacity and transport costs and rates. The Shippers Update has both history and forecasts for four modal options: truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal and rail carload. The analysis includes the breakdown of total truck and rail volumes into major commodity segments. It also provides historical snapshots of inland water and air freight markets. The freight data is augmented by an abundant collection of supporting data covering macro-economics and the fuel market.
FTR Associates, located in Nashville, IN, has been a leader in transportation forecasting for over 20 years. The company’s U.S. Freight Model collects and analyzes all data likely to impact freight movement and is based on specific characteristics for over 200 commodity groups. FTR Associates’ forecast reports cover trucking and rail transportation and include demand analysis for commercial vehicle as well as railcar. Specially designed reports are offered to participants in both industries to cover specific needs. For more information about the work of FTR Associates, visit www.ftrassociates.com or call Helen Lile at 888-988-1699 ext. 45.
For More Information Contact:
Chris Kemmer, Consultant
CK Marketing & Communications
614-459-9369/614-459-9379(Fax)
chris@ckkemmercomm.com
or
Helen Lile
FTR Associates
888-988-1699 – Ext. 45
hlile@ftrassociates.com
