Slow growth for year’s end: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - FTR Intelligence expects the economy to slow down before the end of the year, matching slower freight growth. The company reported improvements to shipping conditions in June over the previous month, but warns that slow contract pricing increases, and a modest weakening of the expected regulatory environment, will mean slower growth and fairly moderate conditions in the short-term.

Trucking costs up in June: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Trucking was costlier in June, compared to the month before, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. The industry forecasting website said June saw costs for labor, fuel, and purchased transport increase over those in May.

Class 8 sales continue rebound: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - North America's Class 8 truck orders continue to improve, reaching 18,300 units in July - up 5% over the previous month and 79% above numbers seen a year ago.

U.S. trailer orders, production rise

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Net orders for U.S. trailers exceeded expectations -- reaching 18,900 units in June, FTR reports. That marks an increase of 12% over May and 58% above June 2016.

U.S. freight market will continue to improve: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - FTR remains confident in this year's freight market, despite a March drop in its Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) that measures freight volumes, rates, capacity, fleet bankruptcies, fuel prices and financing. Spot rates are improving, and that indicates a market-wide move to tighter capacity, the analysts add.

Registration opens for FTR transportation conference

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Registration has opened for FTR's 13th Annual Transportation Conference to be held September 12-14 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Class 8 orders remained solid in April: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - According to FTR, preliminary Class 8 net orders for April ranked in at 23,600 units, keeping up the steady track that began seven months ago.

March trailer orders up 50% over 2016

BLOOMINGTON, IN -- Net U.S. trailer orders in March were up 50% over last year even if they were down 20% from February -- and reached 20,500 units overall, FTR reports.

Volumes growing, rates stagnant: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Analysts at FTR are predicting U.S. freight volumes will grow this year, but say rates will likely be stagnant for at least six months.

Capacity is tight, but rates will rise: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Analysts at FTR are reporting a tighter freight capacity for shippers this year, but believe that "regulatory drag" will likely be slowed under the Trump Administration and a Republican-controlled US Congress.

Trucking conditions to improve going forward: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - FTR has released its Trucking Conditions Index for January, showing a nearly unchanged reading of 2.7 compared to December's 2.9. FTR expected January to be the low point of the year for trucking conditions as it projects an uptick in 2017 as the year progresses. Productivity and capacity are projected to take a hit as a result of the upcoming ELD mandate but FTR said that early adopters will be ahead of the curve. A big issue for the upcoming year is the longstanding driver shortage, which could cause companies to struggle to meet overall demand for new drivers. If capacity fails to meet demand, truckers would be able to raise prices, but the full impact will likely not be felt until late 2017 or into early next year.

Net trailer orders remain strong for February: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - While down 21% compared to January, net trailer orders for February were up 20% compared to February 2016, with February 2017 seeing the highest orders for the month since 2014.

Class 8 orders remain strong in February: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - FTR has revealed that preliminary Class 8 net orders exceeded expectations for the second time in a row, with a solid year over year comparison at 22,900 units for February.

FTR predicts rate, supply pressures

BLOOMINGTON, IN - The freight transportation forecasters at FTR foresee rate and supply troubles for shippers as 2017 progresses, and expect capacity utilization to continue its climb toward a peak in 2018.

U.S. trailer orders strong for third month

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Trailer orders in the U.S. reached 32,800 units in January - down 4% month over month, but up 86% year over year, FTR reports.