FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for January, published in its March 2013 Trucking Update, jumped 2.2 points from the previous month to a new reading of 10.6, reflecting improved freight growth and the expectation for tighter capacity.
The TCI is expected to continue at a high level as regulations affecting trucking utilization go into effect in mid-2013. Conditions through 2014 will remain in the “strongly positive territory,” as companies’ ability to raise rates in a tight capacity environment is likely, the Nashville, Ind.-based company said.
“While the sequester is now in effect, we have seen enough indications of an improving economy to expect a growing freight market in 2013,” said Jonathan Starks, director of transportation analysis for FTR, in a written statement. “As regulators impose the changes to hours-of-service rules in July, capacity will further tighten to levels not seen since 2004.”
