FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) rose two points in November to 6.3, reflecting the most favorable market conditions for shippers since June. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel prices fell more than 25¢ a gallon from October to November. FTR says those falling prices bolstered positive market conditions and played the largest role in the rising November SCI.

“Although market conditions for shippers have improved for three straight months, we do not expect the trend to continue beyond early 2024,” Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking, commented. “The recent strength in the SCI has largely been a function of sharply lower fuel costs. Our forecast remains for a gradual weakening of the SCI toward neutral territory by the end of 2024. Shippers will not see the highly favorable conditions they enjoyed during the first half of 2023, but at worst we expect only mildly unfavorable conditions during a portion of 2025.”