Shippers Conditions Index

Shippers Conditions Index Rose Marginally in January 

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.

The Shippers Conditions Index explained >

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."

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Our Shippers Update service is the trusted guide of North America's major shippers to defend their stance and manage transportation spend year after year.

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.

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
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