Trucking Still Stable, But Capacity Slightly Tight, Says FTR Associates

Nashville, Ind.-based transportation forecaster FTR Associates reported that its Shippers Condition Index in September was basically flat compared with August, indicating stable but slightly tight truck capacity.

Shippers should expect to see a gradual deterioration in shipping conditions at the end of 2012 and throughout 2013 because of slowly increasing freight demand combined with looming regulations restricting driver productivity, the company said.

“With the re-election of President Obama, we can expect the current regulatory climate to remain in place,” said Larry Gross, FTR’s senior consultant. “The conditions are therefore set for slow tightening in freight markets as we move through next year.”