FTR announced that its Trucking Conditions Index increased in December to a reading of 7.0. This is the third consecutive month that the reading has increased, reflecting an improving climate for truckers as U.S. economic fundamentals strengthened during the fourth quarter of 2011, FTR says. Capacity pressures from forecasted 4 percent growth in truck loadings alongside driver recruitment challenges should keep the TCI in good positive territory throughout 2012, FTR says.
The Trucking Conditions Index is a compilation of factors affecting trucking companies. Any reading above zero indicates an adequate trucking environment, with readings above 10 a sign that volumes, prices and margin are in a good range for trucking companies.
“Demand for truck transport continues to grow at rates outstripping the growth in GDP,” says Larry Gross, FTR senior consultant. “We believe this growth trend will continue, barring an exterior shock to the economy, such as an uncontained European default situation or a disruption emanating from the Mideast. Growth should be sufficient to keep the balance firmly in favor of trucking carriers throughout the year.”
