CCJ‘s Indicators rounds up the latest reports on trucking business indicators on rates, freight, equipment, the economy and more.
Market conditions for shippers held in neutral territory in February, according to FTR’s monthly Shippers Conditions Index. FTR expects conditions for shippers to gradually improve through the most of the year before settling into a neutral range again, with freight rates expected to drop and fuel costs expected to remain stable.
However, FTR notes, if fuel prices climb, it could push the SCI to a more negative reading.
“The freight market remained relatively balanced in February despite the beginning of significant weather-related disruptions to freight flows,” said Todd Tranausky, vice president of rail and intermodal at FTR. “A stable truck market combined with resilience in the eastern rail networks have helped keep shippers conditions from deteriorating.”
