Indicators

Trucking conditions improved in January, but downswing expected
FTR's Trucking Conditions Index improved from December to January, but the firm expects negative conditions into the third quarter of 2024. Also: Truck tonnage was up in February; R+L Carriers founder passes away; more.
March 22, 2023
truck backed to dock
Truck orders climb for the first time in five months
Order activity over the last six months has been strong and annualizes to 413,000 units.
March 7, 2023
parked semi-trucks
Carriers' conditions improved in December with falling diesel prices
FTR reported other indicators – including freight volume, capacity utilization, and rates – were negative. Also: ATRI wants carrier feedback on marijuana legalization's impact on recruiting; New SVP at Atlas Van Lines; more.
February 16, 2023
truck at dock
Recession likely still inbound in months ahead but freight outlook less pessimistic
Freight brokers near evenly spit on spot rate outlook but far less optimistic on contract rates.
February 13, 2023
Trucks at a dock
Truck orders skid for fourth month in a row
With backlogs already solidifying production slots, it's no surprise that orders have fallen off the torrential pace set late last year.
February 9, 2023
Kenworth truck assembly line
Trailer demand surges to record highs
Lower trailer build rates and a jump in end-of-year factory shipments caused inventory levels to drop by 18% month-over-month.
January 27, 2023
lineup of dry van trailers
Truck tonnage ticked up to close out 2022
ATA reported truck tonnage was up slightly in December, while tonnage for the year increased 3.4% over 2021. Also: Shippers' conditions on the rise; California fleet orders 15 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell trucks; Xcell Logistics opens new Texas warehouse.
January 26, 2023
ATA Truck Tonnage Index December 2022
Supply chain correction helps put the 'worst of the inflation crisis behind us'
The price of lumber is down by roughly two-thirds over the last year, not far from its five-year average. Brent crude too, has fallen by roughly one-third since last summer along with shipping costs. Why? The supply chain adapts and overcomes.
January 18, 2023
truck hauling a container
Trucking conditions, while improved, remained negative in November
FTR's Trucking Conditions Index showed slight improvement in November. Also: Schneider gets eCascadia in SoCal intermodal operations; FMCSA denies driver's HOS exemption request; Mack unveils refreshed Granite model; Estes opens new Texas terminal.
January 19, 2023
FTR Trucking Conditions Index November 2022
Report forecasts 'surprising' strength in LTL freight for early 2023
Carriers are competing for more limited demand while searching for ways to claw back revenue.
January 18, 2023
pallet jacks in a warehouse
Rates end 2022 on a high note, signaling 'bottoming process' underway
While market conditions remain broadly loose, there are increasingly signs of slowing supply – a key to the bottoming process, according to experts.
January 17, 2023
Trucks at the dock
FTR: Number of carriers will continue to fall as economy cools
“What is likely to happen is that we’re going to have some capacity loss,” Vise says. “As we lose drivers from these carriers that are failing, that is likely to be a driver population that we will lose.”
January 12, 2023
FTR Transportation Intelligence Logo
Truck orders end 2022 on sour note, but 'a solid end to a robust final four months of the year'
Large truck orders ended the year down 21% from November but up 25% from last December. Orders for the past 12 months total 302,000 units.
January 10, 2023
truck chassis spray paint
Trucking conditions fall to lowest point since April 2020
Sharp increases in fuel and financing costs in October drove FTR's Trucking Conditions Index to its lowest point since the beginning of COVID. Also: Wyoming propane haulers get HOS relief; Volvo, Daimler issue recalls
December 20, 2022
FTR October 2022 Trucking Conditions Index
Truck orders tumble off record highs but 'resilient'
OEMs having opened their orderboards for 2023 more broadly, and ongoing pent-up demand — with tailwinds from strong carrier profitability and elevated fleet age — is keeping truck orders stoked.
December 6, 2022
truck assembly
Trucking equipment demand high despite booming interest rates
Carrier profits are the critical element in vehicle demand, and while profits next year are anticipated to be lower truckload net margins are projected to be the fourth best on record.
December 6, 2022
red truck on the road
Tesla's Musk says Semi passes 500-mile, 81K test
With just days until initial deliveries begin, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric Semi can do 500 miles at 81,000 pounds. Also: Averitt Express expands; ACT Research believes the rate bottoming process is underway; ATRI seeks input on predatory towing.
November 29, 2022
Tesla Semi truck
Trucking conditions tumbled in September
Rising fuel prices, weak rates and rising inflation led to a drop in trucking conditions in September, according to FTR. Also: Autonomous trucking firm Waabi unveils self-driving tech; Atlas Van Lines names new president and COO.
November 18, 2022
FTR Trucking Conditions Index September 2022
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