FTR reports that preliminary Class 8 orders for October are below expectations
FTR has released preliminary data showing October 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 25,000, 30% above September. While the October orders came in significantly higher than the previous month, they were below expectations. As fleets finalize their equipment budgets for the coming year, October orders typically rise considerably; and although orders were
The sky isn’t falling if truck sales decrease
As the end of the year approaches, the trucking industry remains strong. 2015 has generally been slightly lower order-wise than 2014 was, and unless this fall matches the historic boom we saw last year, it will end up as a down year. Despite that, it has still been a respectable year on the whole. Reports
FTR Shippers Conditions Index remains moderate, likely to decrease for foreseeable future
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for August, at a reading of -0.8, continues to reflect the moratorium in TL rate growth over the summer. However, the current soft level in the SCI is still below equilibrium, with the slightly negative reading. Shippers should expect a more challenging environment in 2016 in anticipation of the increasing
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index improves again in August
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) measure for August, at a reading of 9.53, reflects healthy freight growth projections. Positive revisions to Q1 and Q2 economic data have improved FTR’s freight growth forecast to +4.4% for full year 2015. The Trucking Conditions Index, as shown in the graph above, has been steadily rising over the past
September trailer orders beat expectations
FTR reports that September 2015 U.S. Trailer net orders were 34,700, significantly above expectations. The order total for the month was 48% above August and improved 8% from a year ago. Trailer orders have now totaled 338,000 for the past 12 months. Dry van orders were very healthy, 11% higher year-over-year; refrigerated van orders were
How will GHG Phase II affect truck orders?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a joint standard in June of this year for fuel economy and greenhouse gas—the Phase II Greenhouse Gas (GHG) standards. The incoming standards will cover trucks from model year 2019 to 2027 and will have far-reaching effects in all phases
FTR: Class 8 order levels remain unchanged from August
FTR has released preliminary data showing September 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 19,460 units, 0.4% below August. The September order activity met expectations albeit with a higher anticipated cancellation rate for the second month in a row. Base Class 8 order activity has been consistent for the past five months. September
FTR Shippers Conditions Index for July reflects benign conditions for shippers
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for July, at a reading of -1.3, continues to reflect the short term stability of capacity utilization and steady fuel prices that are aiding shippers in containing costs. However, FTR expects the SCI to fall gradually during the balance of 2015 with a more severe negative downturn in 2016 due
FTR: August trailer orders were impressive
FTR reports that August 2015 U.S. Trailer net orders totaled 23,500 units, up 15% versus the previous month and up 1% from a year ago. Dry van and refrigerated van were the strongest segments, with very high totals for a typically slow summer month. U.S. trailer orders have now totaled 335,000 units over the past twelve
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index continues rise in July
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) measure for July continued its recent rise with a new high for the year at a reading of 8.07. Substantial upward revisions to first quarter freight growth have helped to push full year growth projections close to 4%. The stronger freight forecast is now reflected in the improved TCI readings which
Shippers Conditions Index reflects soft market conditions
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for June, at -2.0, reflects soft market conditions which have slowed, for the time being, rate increases that negatively impact shipper costs. Slowing GDP growth and a change in growth towards services has dramatically softened freight markets for both truckload and rail. With freight growth slowing and fuel prices staying
August Class 8 truck orders at their lowest in two years
FTR has released preliminary data showing August 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 19,550 units, the lowest level since September 2013. Orders for August were down 18% versus July and 22% year-over-year. With the exception of July, which was positively impacted by a new large fleet order, the pace of recent Class