FTR Shippers Conditions Index shows positive readings in September as diesel prices fall
“Moving forward, it is likely that diesel prices will determine what the change in the index will be for the next few months.”
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.
Less-than-ideal environment for shippers conditions to continue
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for June improved a point from the previous month to a reading of -6.5. The improvement may be short lived; however, as FTR forecasts the index to fall back again in July and, moving forward through the end of the year, settling in a range similar to or lower than May.
FTR Shippers Conditions Index remains in low territory
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for May remained basically unchanged from the previous month at a current reading of -7.5 reflecting a continuing tight capacity situation with utilization rates holding between 98% and 99%. Increases in labor costs and purchased transportation will drive shippers’ cost upwards throughout the remainder of the year. Spot rates for
FTR: Shippers Condition Index reflects mild pullback from critical capacity
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for April rose one point to a reading of -7.7, reflecting a mild pullback from a critical capacity possibility reflected in the previous month’s reading. However, this one month change does not signal any real improvement in trucking capacity that remains extremely tight. The index remains in low territory reflecting the
FTR Shippers Conditions Index continues to reflect tight capacity
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for March was basically unchanged from February at a reading of -8.7. The negative level of the SCI reflects extremely tight capacity available to haul goods. FTR currently expects the tight environment for shippers to moderate slightly in the coming months unless freight growth picks up as a result of
FTR shippers conditions index deteriorates in February
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for February, at a reading of -8.8, reflects an earlier than normal tightening of capacity created by the debilitating effects of winter storms in early 2014. Conditions are expected to improve from this low point if a slowing of freight growth persists; however, shippers are advised to acquire sufficient capacity