FTR Trucking Conditions Index for October Dips Again

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for October fell to a reading of 3.17, more than a point lower than September, which had seen a significant dip from August when the TCI measure was in plus double digits. Stabilizing truckload rates and a short-lived run up in diesel prices were largely responsible for a continued deterioration in trucking conditions during October. In spite of the fact that the October reading was the lowest since August 2017, FTR’s outlook for trucking conditions look stronger in the near term with the TCI rebounding to a better level for months to come.  

  Avery Vise, Vice President of Trucking, comments, "October’s conditions index confirms the general sense that the current cycle has peaked. Although we anticipate improved conditions for the remainder of 2018 and much of 2019 compared to October, we appear to be headed gradually toward neutral territory."