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.”