Forecast remains strong for FTR Trucking Conditions Index
FTR reports that its Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for June was strong, although it declined to 12.61 from a reading of 15.72 in May. The easing in June primarily reflected slightly weaker freight volume and somewhat less robust freight rates, FTR says. Partially offsetting those factors was slightly stronger capacity utilization. Overall, market conditions for carriers
Trailer orders continue to slide in July
FTR reports that preliminary trailer orders continue to slide to the bottom of this cycle, registering only 8,200 units in July 32% below June and -58% year-over-year. Trailers orders for the past twelve months now total 354,000. Dry and refrigerated van orders remained paltry, FTR adds, as OEMs are booked full for 2021 and not
FTR Trucking Conditions Index strong in May
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for May, as reported in the July issue of the Trucking Update, eased slightly from the April record reading (16.82) to a still-robust 15.72. The TCI tracks the changes representing five major conditions in the U.S. truck market: freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel price and financing. Stronger freight rates
June trailer orders up compared to May, down year-over-year
According to reports from both ACT Research and FTR, trailer orders in June improved over May but were down compared to June of last year. ACT’s preliminary reports show that trailer OEMs posted 11,100 net orders in June, 20% above May orders, but 19% below the same point last year. “While the sequential increase in
Class 8 truck orders rise in June
FTR reports that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders for June were up 13% month-over-month at 26,700 units. Orders were up 71% year-over-year, with Class 8 orders now totaling 431,000 units for the previous 12 months. FTR says the June order total is very positive because it indicates this order cycle bottomed out at
Five truck trend takeaways from June
We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from June focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place. 5. How you can start truck service benchmarking Benchmarking brings together all of your service data, highlights best practices where
Podcast: A look at the state of the trucking market with FTR
It has been, to put it mildly, an absolutely wild year for the U.S. economy, and by extension, the trucking industry. We had a sharp drop last spring, nearly just as sharp of a rise in the summer and fall, and a strong opening to 2021, but the most recent months’ numbers show a drop-off
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index improved in April
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for April, as reported in the June Shippers Update, improved to a -11.9 reading from the previous month’s record low of -17.8. Lower fuel costs and weaker freight volume were the key changes, offsetting tough utilization and rates. Conditions for shippers are forecast to improve but remain negative into 2022.
Final trailer orders weak in May at 9,500 units
FTR reports that final net trailer orders sank in May to 9,500 units, 42% below April. Y/Y comparisons were still up 112% versus COVID-impacted 2020 order activity. Van orders were very soft in May but vocational trailers remain sturdy as the industrial sector of the economy picks up steam. Trailer orders for the past twelve
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index sets another record
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for April, as reported in the June Trucking Update, achieved a record-high reading of 16.82, surpassing what had been an all-time high in March. Although most market factors were not quite as strong in April as they were in March, a reversal of March’s higher diesel prices improved overall trucking
Class 8 orders remain strong in April
FTR reports preliminary North American Class 8 net orders for April were 34,600 units, continuing to exhibit strength above normal trends. It was the best April order activity since 2018. Orders were down 15% m/m but 30,500 units above April 2020. Class 8 orders now total 403,000 units for the previous 12 months, FTR says.
March preliminary trailer orders of 29,500 12% better than February
Preliminary reports from trailer OEMs indicate that 29,500 new trailer orders were booked in March. That was 12% better than February and more than triple the volume seen last year, when COVID-driven pressures began to meaningfully impact the market, ACT Research says. Final March volume will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate
