Related: Truckload Linehaul, Intermodal Rates Growing Stronger
Trucking Ready to Shift Into High Gear, Conditions Index Indicates
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for July remains in a positive range with a reading of 5.75, reflecting tightening capacity, rising spot rates.
by Staff
September 21, 2017
Source: FTR
1 min to read
Source: FTR
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for July remains in a positive range, with a reading of 5.75 reflecting tightening capacity, rising spot rates, with further impact this fall and winter from the implementation of electronic logging devices.
The TCI measure has not risen higher because it’s driven in large part by contract market conditions and not the spot market segment, which is currently being pushed higher. Contract prices are expected to increase in 2018 as capacity further tightens, which will move the TCI up through the year.
“The combination of multiple hurricanes, strengthening spot market conditions, and the final push towards ELD implementation means trucking is ready to shift into a higher gear," said Jonathan Starks, COO at FTR. "Fleets are finally starting to talk positively about market conditions after being stuck in a relatively sluggish environment for more than a year.”
More Fleet Management
Nominations Open for HDT Emerging Leaders
Heavy Duty Trucking is looking for accomplished trucking fleet professionals under 40 who are making an impact and helping lead the industry forward.
Read More →
Why Private Fleets Are Taking More Freight
Private fleets are putting their own trucks on demanding customers and high-cost lanes as companies seek greater control over service, costs, and capacity.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 16, 2026
Color Match Smarter: Tools That Restore & Perform
For fleet managers and collision repair professionals keeping heavy-duty trucks on the road, getting the color right the first time isn't just about appearance — it's about efficiency, turnaround time, and bottom-line results. Discover how today's digital color tools are transforming the repair process from guesswork to precision.
Read More →
FMCSA Pauses Biennial-Update Enforcement Amid Motus Transition
Carriers whose updates were due on or after June 1 have more time, while FMCSA works to stabilize its new registration system and warns of phishing sites impersonating its new carrier registration system, Motus.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 14, 2026
2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Supply Chain Theft
Cargo theft is no longer just the cost of doing business. It's a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise exploiting vulnerabilities across your fleet, drivers, and supply chain.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 1, 2026
How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets
Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.
Read More →
What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →