FTR September Trucking Conditions Index reflects broadly weaker environment
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for September, at -2.94, was the lowest reading since May, reflecting a relatively weak environment for carriers.
Truck orders weak in November
According to the latest numbers from both ACT Research Co. and FTR, truck orders were weak for the month of November.
FTR reports a rebound in trailer orders in September
FTR reports preliminary trailer orders for September at 19,000 units, the highest since February.
Trucking Conditions Index for August reflects mediocre environment for carriers
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for August, at a -1.11 reading, was negatively impacted by weak utilization and higher financing costs. FTR forecasts that the TCI will hover around the neutral range through 2020.
FTR: September Class 8 retail sales at an all-time high
September Class 8 preliminary U.S. retail sales were 28,200, 4% higher than the previous record of December 2006, according to FTR. Sales were up 20% month-over-month and 20% year-over-year. All OEMs reported robust activity for the month, FTR added.
Class 8 orders for September stuck in down cycle; medium-duty numbers fall
FTR reports preliminary North American Class 8 orders for September at 12,100 units, up 13% m/m but down 72% y/y.
FTR’s shippers conditions reflects mainly positive market conditions
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for July fell back from June’s 8.8 measure to a still-positive reading of 4.3, FTR reports. The SCI reflects a mixed freight environment with the industrial sector flat or worse, but consumer spending is still healthy. Firmer freight rates in July contributed to the decline in the index.
Trailer orders for August remain in low holding pattern
FTR reports that final trailer orders for August remain in a low holding pattern at 10,400 units, up 1% month-over-month.
North American Class 8 orders for August up modestly from July
According to ACT Research’s preliminary North America Class 8 net order data, the industry booked 10,900 units in August, up nearly 6% from July, but 79% below last August’s best-ever order month, while FTR reports preliminary North American Class 8 orders for August at 10,400 units, up 4% m/m but down 80% y/y.
Medium- and heavy-duty orders weak in July
Preliminary North America Class 8 net order data show the industry booked around 10,000 units in July. ACT Research reported 10,200 units in July, down 21% from June and the lowest monthly order tally since February 2010, while FTR reports preliminary North American Class 8 orders for July were 9,800 units.
June Class 8 truck orders rise incrementally from May
According to recent FTR and ACT Research reports, preliminary North American Class 8 orders for June are at about 13,000 units, up around 20% from May.
May was the weakest month for Class 8 orders since July 2016
According to the latest numbers from both ACT Research and FTR, Class 8 orders had their weakest month this May since July 2016.
