Nashville, IN (December 18, 2012) FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for October improved month over month by nearly two points to a reading of -5.0. FTR projections indicate that the current improvement will yield to a gradual deterioration in shipping conditions as 2012 ends and throughout 2013.
Nashville, IN (December 18, 2012) FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for October improved month over month by nearly two points to a reading of -5.0. FTR projections indicate that the current improvement will yield to a gradual deterioration in shipping conditions as 2012 ends and throughout 2013. FTR has been forecasting that the combination of new trucking regulations and slowly rising freight volumes will cause a tightening of capacity. Although the capacity situation is not expected to reach an acute phase, it will be sufficient to result in higher rates for shippers. Details of the factors affecting the October Shippers Conditions Index are found in the December issue of FTR’s Shippers Update published December 12, 2012.
Larry Gross, Senior Consultant for FTR, commented, “Shippers need to be aware that the current relatively benign conditions are not expected to last. The fundamentals of our economy are improving and will continue to do so unless our government snatches defeat from the jaws of victory by failing to reach a fiscal cliff agreement in a reasonably timely fashion. Areas of strength include a recovering housing sector and low energy prices. Changes in trucking regulations are looming although court challenges may yet throw a monkey wrench into the proceedings, delaying implementation and the resulting tightening of capacity. But putting it all together, FTR feels the most likely outcome will be a more difficult scenario for shippers in 2013”.
Commentary included in the current issue of the Shippers Update explains the expected full effects of Superstorm Sandy on transportation. 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
