
FTR's September Trucking Conditions Index shows a reading of 5.47, down somewhat from August’s reading.
FTR's September Trucking Conditions Index shows a reading of 5.47, down somewhat from August’s reading.

Source: FTR

FTR's September Trucking Conditions Index shows a reading of 5.47, down somewhat from August’s reading.
Despite the downward move, FTR said that an overall positive trend in the index reflects a "modest" tightening in capacity, related to regulations set to take effect in 2017.
Tightening capacity should improve pricing and margins for carriers through the end of next year, FTR expects. The TCI is projected to reach its peak in late 2017 or early 2018.
“The presidential election results have created some uncertainty in the market, mainly due to the lack of political and legislative experience from President-elect Trump,” said Jonathan Starks, chief operating officer of FTR. “There are certainly several areas where the new administration could make an impact on the marketplace - with regulations being the chief area of presidential power in that regard.”
FTR also has examined the effect of the election results on trucking conditions.
“We will learn more in the upcoming weeks and months as the administration’s team is finalized and the legislative and regulatory agenda is cemented,” said Starks. “I wouldn’t look for any significant impacts to the U.S. economy until relatively late in 2017. The U.S. economy should continue to grow - and trucking will grow slowly with it.”

ACT Research data shows volumes hitting a four-year high and supply-demand balance strengthening, but higher oil prices are undercutting tariff relief and tempering optimism.
Read More →
The patent-pending cargo solution integrates a digitally connected cargo door and an intelligent locking system with the TrailerHawk.AI technology platform.
Read More →
The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.
Read More →
Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
Read More →
New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
Read More →
Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
Read More →
DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
Read More →
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →