Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for January rose marginally from December’s -10.9 to a still significant negative reading of -9.8 for the month. Overall shipping conditions improved very slightly in January with near-term conditions tough due to rising fuel costs and rates. FTR forecasts modest improvement in conditions going forward with the SCI expected in a low single-digit negative range through most if not all of 2021.
The March issue of FTR’s Shippers Update, published March 5th, provides a detailed analysis of the factors affecting the December Shippers Conditions Index and provides the forecast for this index through January of 2022. Additional commentary discusses how risks to FTR forecasts are shifting from freight demand to driver availability.
Todd Tranausky
VP of Rail & Intermodal
Todd Tranausky commented, “It is unlikely that shippers' conditions will improve much over the balance of the year as additional freight demand underpinned by additional consumer stimulus will keep capacity tight through the end of the year. Higher rates and higher fuel surcharges are also a risk as the economy recovers. This could add negative pressure to the outlook for shippers later in 2021. A big question is how quickly truck driver capacity will return as that will largely dictate the direction of rate pressures not only in trucking but in intermodal as well."
Now, with an expanded view of each mode of ground transportation, a full-page devoted to the freight and rate forecasts for trucking, rail, and intermodal, clearer and more concise economic coverage, and so much more to level the playing field in your conversations with your brokers and carriers.
Looking for ways to keep your transportation spend in line during another tough year? We focus on forecasts and analysis, so you can focus on executing your strategy.
Please feel encouraged to reach out if you have questions. I'd be happy to provide additional information or assist in any way I can. "
Derek Young Business Development Manager, FTR | Transportation Intelligence
Derek is the Business Development Manager at FTR and is a great resource for anyone interested in learning about FTR products and service. Contact Derek to learn more about how FTR can support your business needs.
Email: dyoung@ftrintel.com
Schedule a 30-Minute Meeting: Click Here
Call Now: (888) 988-1699, ext. 66
From freight demand to system capacity to equipment production, our clients benefit from the industries most reliable forecasts, quantitative market intelligence, key trends, and comprehensive analysis on North American freight transportation. Transportation professionals apply this information to their internal planning, forecasting, and market analysis.
Our clients come from the shipping, trucking, rail, intermodal, equipment, and financial communities.