Trucking conditions among the best since 2004
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Trucking conditions in the U.S. are at among their strongest since early 2004, according to the FTR Trucking Conditions Index (TCI).
The July reading of 14.04 reflected the second strongest month the industry has seen since early 2004, and the current growth cycle is stronger in duration than in 2004, FTR reported. It predicts the index has peaked and will moderate modestly through the rest of the year.
However, the industry forecaster said key indicators – manufacturing, construction, and retail sales – remain strong and retain a positive outlook for the coming months.
“Carriers might not see stronger conditions in the current cycle, but they shouldn’t lose too much sleep over it,” said Avery Vise, vice-president of trucking for FTR. “We expect the TCI to remain in double-digit territory into 2019. With manufacturing and construction hot and the labor market tight, it would be very difficult for capacity growth to outstrip freight demand for quite some time.”
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Then why does gov. jobs or construction still pay better than driving a truck and why are so many truck drivers overloading the homeless shelter system. The new E log system will not work until parking is increased both at receivers and areas where trucks are needed.