FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index indicated a more hospitable environment for carriers in April but remained negative at a reading of -1.95, up from -7.25 in March.
Both freight rates and financing costs were less negative, and freight volume improved, FTR reported. The TCI has not been positive in any month since early 2022, and likely will remain mildly negative for the rest of the year, but the index could see some outlying positive readings as it moves closer to neutral territory.
“We still do not expect consistently favorable market conditions for carriers until early next year.”
The TCI tracks the 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.