Trucking Conditions Index

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index Markedly Improves in May

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index rose in May to 2.24 from the -1.95 reading for April due to falling diesel prices and a freight rate environment that was less negative for carriers than has typically been the case over the past couple of years. May’s TCI likely is an outlier as we expect readings to return to negative territory through at least late this year.

Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking, commented, “Trucking is in the initial stages of a recovery, although it might be months before market participants perceive much change. A big piece of May’s positive TCI was lower fuel costs, but freight rates also were much less unfavorable for carriers than usual since the fourth quarter of 2022. We expect rates to be mostly stable overall through late this year with spot rates leading the way. However, the capacity overhang remains large and will delay anything that could remotely be called a rebound..”

The Trucking Conditions Index explained >

Connect with Avery on LinkedIn

This index represents five major conditions in the U.S. full-load truck market. These metrics are combined into a single index that tracks the market conditions that influence fleet behavior.

Don't miss next month's Trucking Conditions Index. Sign up to receive updates.

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index Markedly Improves in May