BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — FTR Transportation Intelligence’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) remained in positive territory in June but weakened to 0.95 from May’s 2.24 reading. Details matter, however, as core freight dynamics improved for trucking companies during June, higher financing costs and a slowing of diesel price decreases were substantial offsets.
In its latest report, FTR states it expects a general improvement in carrier market conditions, but according to FTR’s current forecast, the TCI could see both positive and negative readings in the coming months before the index turns consistently positive by the end of this year.
“Today’s market might feel as weak as it has been, but we continue to see a growing foundation for a recovery in financial conditions for trucking companies,” said Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking. “Strengthening capacity utilization sets the stage for firmer freight rates starting late this year and accelerating somewhat in 2025. Although nothing approaching the likes of 2021 is on the horizon, carriers should be seeing considerably more favorable conditions by next spring.”
The TCI tracks changes representing five major conditions in the U.S. truck market: freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel prices, and financing costs. The individual metrics are combined into a single index indicating the industry’s overall health. A positive score represents good, optimistic conditions. Conversely, a negative score represents bad, pessimistic conditions. Readings near zero are consistent with a neutral operating environment, and double-digit readings in either direction suggest significant operating changes are likely.
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
