FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for April rose one point to a reading of -7.7, reflecting a mild pullback from a critical capacity possibility reflected in the previous month’s reading. However, this one month change does not signal any real improvement in trucking capacity that remains extremely tight. The index remains in low territory reflecting the 98-99% readings for truck capacity utilization, with little relief in sight until the next recession, said FTR. Freight growth should remain strong through the balance of the year, and the rate shippers pay for truck freight will continue to rise, reports the company.

“The shipping situation is not as critical as it was just a few months ago when weather related issues disrupted the supply chain. However, we are still near a tipping point,” said Eric Starks, FTR’s president. “If the economy starts to accelerate as we move through the summer months, additional strain would be put on an already fragile capacity situation. Shippers should expect carriers to push rates higher as we move through the year. The biggest pressure will come from trucking companies who continue to struggle finding qualified drivers to move freight.”