Trucking Conditions Index Heads Higher
The Trucking Conditions Index from the freight transportation forecasting firm FTR registered 9.07 for September, according to a just released report.

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index. Graphic: FTR

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index. Graphic: FTR
A measure of business conditions in trucking industry has moved up again reflecting strong underlying market trends.
The Trucking Conditions Index, from the freight transportation forecasting firm FTR, registered 9.07 for September, according to a just released report.
The TCI has moved up in the last couple of months due to increased rate gains and will remain in very positive but stable territory for the foreseeable future, according to FTR.
It expects little change in the TCI unless and until there is a change in the economy or increased regulatory drag on capacity. FTR saod capacity utilization currently stands very close to its all-time record and is at the breakpoint between manageable tightness and crisis.
"Spot market activity and rates have been easing, but this is to be expected at this time of year. Rates are still well above year ago levels and will stay that way until we lap winter conditions in January and February,” said Jonathan Starks, FTR's director of transportation analysis. “The contract market is lagging on rate growth, but we still see a concerted upward shift over the last year.”
He noted the combination of hours-of-service changes in 2013 with weather events in early 2014 was enough to move market conditions in truckers favor.
“Contract negotiations will take place during the winter slow season [and] we will see how much market clout the fleets are able to use,” Starks said. “The real results will come later in the year. Successful shippers will be able to secure capacity and limit cost inflation by working with their carrier base rather than focusing on negotiating strength."
More Fleet Management

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 →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →
Deen Albert: Let Automation Do the Math, People Make the Decisions
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Deen Albert makes sure people are still at the heart of operations at Grand Island Express, even while adopting artificial intelligence tools. AI-assisted dispatch helped boost revenue 25% with the same number of trucks.
Read More →Trimble’s New AI Agent Takes Aim at Fleet Back-Office Busywork
Arc Agent works across Trimble TMS products to automate repetitive tasks such as freight orders, maintenance, invoices, fuel costs and more.
Read More →
How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations
Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.
Read More →

