FTRs Trucking Conditions Index for April Remains in Very Positive Territory

Bloomington, IN (June 12, 2013) FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for April as reported in the June 2013 Trucking Update reflects a strongly favorable environment for trucking increasing another 0.7 points for the month to a reading of 13.8. Modest rate increases are expected to resume as freight enjoys reasonable volume growth alongside the reduced trucking productivity that is the result of increased regulations. It is forecast that new regulations will take at least 3% out of trucking capacity.

Freight still OK despite weakening economic growth

“We’re getting much more concerned about the slowing industrial production numbers because that would have a big impact on the freight market,” he said. “But our overall base economic projection for the U.S. remains 2% to 2.5% GDP [gross domestic product] growth and if we can slough off this ‘weak spot’ freight volumes should remain relatively stable. So while the economy is not strong, it’s not expected to drop, either,” Jonathan Starks, transportation analyst for FTR Associates, told Fleet Owner.

Port Volumes Lead Trucking on Spending Optimism

An increase in goods entering California is signaling optimism about the resilience of U.S. consumer spending and the trucking industry this year.

“Trucking volumes are in a positive, but not extremely strong, stage of growth, and we expect that will continue through 2013,” Starks said. FTR is forecasting that truck loadings will rise by “just under 5 percent” this year, he said, compared with 3.2 percent in 2012.

The Pulse - December, 2012

Welcome to the inaugural publication of The Pulse newsletter. This newsletter will allow you to stay up-to-date on what is happening at FTR and allow us to better serve you.

Major Economic Award from Federal Reserve
FTR is excited to have won multiple forecaster awards at the 26th annual Economic Outlook Symposium presented by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, including Best Overall Forecast. This is an important award for FTR and demonstrates our core strength in forecasting outcomes for our members. Credit goes to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for recognizing all the award recipients who are helping companies forecast intelligently. Click here to read more

Upcoming Changes: FTR's Annual Freight Update
It is quickly nearing time for FTR's annual freight model update. This is nothing new to many of our long-term clients, but it is worth delving into for new folks or those that don't quite fully understand the process for creating our unique measurements of the freight transportation markets. We continuously strive to put out the best market data available and this is one of the key times of the year that we update our data. Find out more about the process and what changes to look for. Click here to read more

Superstorm Sandy: Transport Impacts
It has been over a month now since Superstorm Sandy slammed into the coast of New Jersey just north of Cape May. We now know enough to begin estimating the full effect of the storm on U.S. logistics. Get some key insights from Noel Perry's Transportation Fundamentals newsletter. Click here to read more

As Technology Changes, So Do We
The internet sure does change fast. And so does business. Here at FTR we were one of the first business-to-business firms in our industry to move our subscription distribution to a fully online delivery system. Find out about the big changes underway to make sure that your needs are met in the best possible way. Click here to read more

Spotlight...Truck & Trailer Outlook:
The Class 8 Market Turned. Were You Ready?
FTR was the first to indicate a significant production cut was coming during the latter portion of 2012. Clients who utilized our expertise were the first to know and saved production and inventory costs by quickly reducing production. Find out more about how we help our clients in this turbulent market. Click here to read more

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