December Shippers Conditions Index rises

March 1, 2012
FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for December 2011 edged up roughly 1½ points from the previous month to a reading of –4.6, which still reflects a somewhat adverse environment for shippers.

FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for December 2011 edged up roughly 1½ points from the previous month to a reading of –4.6, which still reflects a somewhat adverse environment for shippers.

The small improvement reflected a slight easing in demand for transport capacity. The SCI sums up all market influences that affect shippers; a reading above zero suggests a favorable shipping environment, while a reading below zero is unfavorable. FTR’s February Shippers Update, published February 10, reports that the tight equilibrium between demand and transport capacity will keep the Shippers Conditions Index stable in modestly negative territory until 2013, when it will slip further due to regulatory drag on capacity from the hours-of-service rule implementation.

Larry Gross, senior consultant for FTR, said, “FTR’s base case anticipates that conditions will continue to be difficult for the nation’s shippers, even though economic growth is still anticipated to be lackluster. If the recent spate of good economic news translates into more robust economic growth, capacity would tighten significantly and greater upward pressure on freight rates will result.”

The February Shippers Update includes discussion of the impact the European debt crisis is likely to have on the US economy. For more information about how to subscribe, e-mail [email protected] or call 888-988-1699 ext 1.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Take Control of Your Finances: A Practical Guide for Carriers in Trucking

This guide is designed to help you navigate these challenges, featuring strategies for automation, examples of effective tools, and a real-world success story from Phoenix Cargo...

Report: The 2024-2025 State Of Heavy-Duty Repair

Fullbay's fifth annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair compiles insights from almost 1,000 experts and over 3,500 shops. If you aren't leveraging these proven data points, your competition...

Guide For Managing Maintenance

The Guide for Managing Maintenance is a comprehensive resource designed to help fleet managers improve their maintenance operations, reduce downtime, and lower overall fleet costs...

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...