FTR asks, ‘Are we in the calm before the storm?’
The freight transportation forecasters at FTR are reporting that after 2015 the trucking industry will be facing an unprecedented range of outcomes for the next few years, due to the arrival of two powerful forces that could swing capacity utilization ten percentage points in either direction. “A swing of just 5% is enough to dramatically impact pricing
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index rises to its highest level of 2015
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) measure for June rose back up from May, jumping 56% to 7.66, hitting the highest level of 2015. Freight growth slowed during Q2, but rates continue to show growth and margins are still good. FTR expects regulatory conditions and a continued economic recovery to fuel an accelerating index during 2016.
Class 8 orders rise in July for the first time this year
FTR has released preliminary data showing July 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders rose for the first time this year to 23,920 units. This is up 21% month-over month, but down 19% versus last July. Class 8 orders were much higher than expected as a few big fleets placed their large 2016 requirement orders
Five truck trend takeaways from July
1. The summer months spell trouble for truck tires Rubber on the road, more commonly called “road alligators,” increase dramatically on the nation’s highways during the summer driving season. The majority of the motoring public clearly believes that these road alligators are caused by bad retreads; this is just not accurate. The alligators on the
FTR expects shippers to avoid rate increases in 2015
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for May, at -3.1, reflects the current manageable capacity utilization, which is expected to remain in place through 2015. As a result of improved capacity and low fuel prices, shippers are getting a respite from rate increases, an environment which should be maintained throughout the year. However, conditions affecting shippers will
Trailer orders rebounded in June
After a few down months, U.S. trailer orders have rebounded in June, according to FTR. FTR’s numbers indicate that net orders were 26,700, a 76% increase from May and 32% better than a year ago. Several large dry van orders for delivery in 2016 boosted June orders with refrigerated van orders also exceeding expectations. The
Truck orders have peaked, now what? FTR forecasts growth for trucking industry
New truck orders and backlogs have peaked; what now? That’s precisely the question FTR is trying to answer. FTR, a company that uses analytics and history to project the future of the transportation market, held a recent seminar to discuss the future of the truck and trailer industry. Taking a look at the market trends, FTR believes
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index hits three-year low in May
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) measure for May dropped another 25% to a three-year low of 4.91 due to softer capacity, pricing, and fuel prices. Tight capacity from earlier in the year has eased following the partial suspension of the latest Hours of Service changes. FTR predicts the Trucking Conditions Index will soon move up
Truck orders down for fourth straight month
FTR, provider of transportation forecasting in North America, has released the preliminary data on truck orders in June 2015. Overall, FTR found that truck orders fell for the fourth straight month to 19,624 units, 25% below a year ago. Class 8 orders, while fairly predictable for the period, were somewhat above the current seasonal trend showing
Trailer orders continue slide
FTR reports May 2015 U.S. Trailer net orders were 15,200 units, 14% below the previous month and -29% year-over-year. The traditional summer slide continues, earlier and more pronounced than normal; however, there is still plenty of backlog available to support strong build rates through the end of the year. U.S. trailer orders have annualized over
Preliminary Class 8 May orders fell below 20,000
FTR has released preliminary data showing May 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 19,714 units, an 11% month-over-month decline and 23% lower than a year ago. Orders fell in May for the third consecutive month and dipped below the 20,000 threshold for the first time since September 2013. All major OEMs were
Trailer orders well below a year ago
FTR reports April 2015 U.S. trailer net orders were 17,700 units, down 19% m/m and down a disappointing 30% y/y. Order activity has cooled off in large part because many major fleets placed their orders in 2014 to cover 2015 requirements, but were also impacted by general economic factors. However, even with the decline, trailer