freight volume and the rate environment for carriers, FTR says. The index in recent months has moved to a more neutral position, where FTR

The most recent edition of the Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) from freight transportation consultancy FTR turned in its lowest reading

freight volume and the rate environment for carriers, FTR says. The index in recent months has moved to a more neutral position, where FTR

. That’s not the case at all,” adds Eric Starks, chairman and CEO, FTR Transportation Intelligence. “If you can manufacture with it, you

linked to freight volume are generally weaker entering the new year and the rate environment in trucking continues to soften. FTR projects

loans to trucking startups. FTR Intelligence, a Bloomington, Ind.-based research firm that tracks changes in freight volume, rates, capacity

Trailer orders were down in March, falling to the lowest level since late 2016, according reports from analysts at FTR and ACT Research.

include an economic overview focused on freight and the semi-trailer industry delivered by Eric Starks FTR chairman and CEO. Next, a panel

vice president of ACT Research, told Transport Topics. Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles for FTR, agreed. “We were waiting for

so far in 2019, and are at unreasonable levels,” says Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles. “Fleets still need more trailers,

. FTR forecasts the index to move into more neutral territory as 2019 progresses. “While we don’t anticipate truly negative trucking

been a nightmare for shippers last year (data via FTR): So the trucking industry is letting off some air pressure. Shippers are breathing a

been a nightmare for shippers last year (data via FTR): So the trucking industry is letting off some air pressure. Shippers are breathing a

down 67% year-over-year. Class 8 orders for the past 12 months have now totaled 397,000 units, according to FTR. ACT Research is tracking

to the corresponding month last year, FTR Transportation Intelligence said. In March 2018, Class 8 truck orders stood at 46,248 units. On

as they look at 2020,” said Jonathan Starks, chief intelligence officer at research group FTR. FTR said it measured 15,200 orders for

measured by FTR’s monthly Shippers Conditions Index, reflected a balanced freight market in January between shippers and carriers, FTR says.

of that test in California." Quotable from Todd Tranausky, VP for rail and intermodal at FTR: "Railroads started out really well in

Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) from freight transportation consultancy FTR showed continued growth, albeit at a slightly lower level. FTR

of that test in California.” Quotable from Todd Tranausky, VP for rail and intermodal at FTR: “Railroads started out really well in