FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index rebounded in December to a reading of 9.2, reflecting a full capacity environment with strong freight demand.

Capacity utilization has been in the high 90% range in the past few years, and with increases in freight volume and hits to productivity from regulations and bad weather, the last few months of 2017 into early 2018 have been good for carriers, according to FTR.

“We are seeing robust orders for trucks and trailers, serious recruitment drives, and the type of rate increases which make these expenditures feasible,” said Jonathan Starks, chief operating officer at FTR. “In terms of the overall economy and freight demand, we are looking at strong potential for further upside possibilities for carriers.”