FTR's Shipping Conditions Index Drops
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index dropped in March as a bump from soft market conditions evaporates, according to the firm.
The SCI in March fell to a reading of -4.9. Readings below zero indicate a less-than-ideal environment for shippers, according to FTR.
“All current indicators point towards the timely implementation of ‘big ticket’ truck regulations in the near future, including electronic logging devices, speed limiters for heavy trucks, and the national drug and alcohol database,” Jonathan Starks, director of transportation analysis for FTR, said in a statement.
“These among other regulations will have a profound effect on available truck capacity creating a shortage. The near-term crisis may be postponed if the economy slows significantly, however, something we are now watching for very closely given multiple warning signs in the economy,” he said.
Readings below 10 signal that conditions for shippers are approaching critical levels, based on available capacity and expected rates, according to the firm.
