Trucking Conditions Index from FTR reflects tight capacity and high rate environment

The impact of very tight trucking capacity was evident in the most recent edition of the Trucking Conditions Index, according to the most recent edition of the Trucking Conditions Index (TCI), which was issued this week by freight transportation consultancy FTR. According to FTR, a TCI reading above zero represents an adequate trucking environment, with readings above 10 indicating that volumes, prices and margin are in a good range for carriers. For December, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI was 9.2, which was well ahead of November’s 5.48 and in line with October’s 9.48. FTR said that December’s reading reflects a full capacity environment that is paced by ongoing strength in freight demand. Looking ahead, FTR said it expects the TCI to remain elevated and head higher in 2018, with trucking capacity “maxed out” and freight rates at their highest level in a number of years.