Trucking Conditions Index Indicates Extreme Pressure on Available Capacity
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index increased to a reading of 8.49 for July, one of the highest points this year. The high values reflect rising prices and service lapses caused by the current capacity crisis. FTR says the TCI could go even higher this fall if the economy accelerates as expected.
by Staff
September 8, 2014
2 min to read
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index increased to a reading of 8.49 for July, one of the highest points this year. The high values reflect rising prices and service lapses caused by the current capacity crisis. FTR says the TCI could go even higher this fall if the economy accelerates as expected.
Truck utilization remains within 100 basis points of record levels, meaning that any additional growth in the economy and associated freight will strain capacity even further, pushing shipping rates higher.
Ad Loading...
“When looking at the truckload market, for much of 2014 it has been a tale of two markets, with spot activity very strong, especially in rates," says Jonathan Starks, FTR’s director of transportation analysis. "The contract market has been less robust but still showing signs of stress on capacity, costs, and rates. You can expect to see those two markets merge this fall as a shipper’s core carriers get further stressed and contract rates move higher.
"The public announcements of strong driver pay increases by fleets are a testament to this fact. Despite easing over the summer, spot rates are still elevated versus last year. Keep an eye on spot rates as we head into September, as they will be an early indicator of capacity shortages and stress in the system."
Details of the July TCI Index are found in the September issue of FTR’s Trucking Update.
When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.
As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.
CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.
Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.
