Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, March 18, 2025:
Trucking market conditions declined in January
Market conditions for trucking companies in January tumbled, with FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index falling into negative territory for the first time since September.
FTR’s TCI reading for January fell to -2.56, which was almost the exact opposite of December’s +2.67 reading.
Higher diesel prices and weak freight rates, volume and utilization resulted in unfavorable overall market conditions for carriers in January, the firm said. The only positive contributor to the index in January was cost of capital, although volume and utilization were only minor negatives.
“January proved to be tough for carriers as we anticipated,” said Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking. “Although we still forecast an improving market for trucking companies in the months ahead, we remain very concerned that the great uncertainty introduced by tariffs -- and especially the lack of clarity over scope and timing -- will chill activity and investments that drive freight demand.”
Vise added that FTR doesn’t see anything on the horizon “for further significant declines in capacity, so carriers will need stronger volumes to tighten the market and set the stage for stronger freight rates.”
ATA survey focuses on recruiting, retaining women
The American Trucking Associations’ Women In Motion (WIM) Council recently launched its first-ever industry-wide survey to ensure the voices of women in trucking are heard.
The WIM survey is designed to gather insights from trucking professionals of all backgrounds in order to distill industry best practices for recruiting and retaining women in trucking roles.
“We’re thrilled to launch this groundbreaking survey focused on the experiences of women in the trucking industry,” said ATA COO Sarah Rajtik, co-chair of WIM. “While designed to highlight women's perspectives, we welcome participation from everyone in the industry to help us gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in trucking. The insights gathered will shed light on key issues, helping us drive meaningful change and create a stronger future for women.”
The confidential WIM survey is open to all non-driving industry stakeholders, women and men. The questions are focused on understanding industry career paths, starting at the point of entry into the industry and how trucking roles foster retention.
Responses will shape the future of WIM’s efforts, providing data-driven guidance to advance policy priorities, develop meaningful content, and establish gold standards to support women. This input from individuals at every career level and every sector of trucking will improve comprehension of the challenges and opportunities women face in the industry today.
The WIM survey will remain open through April 18. Three survey participants will be randomly selected to receive a free pair of AirPods. The survey is available here.
