NASHVILLE, IN. — FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) increased in December to a reading of 7.0, marking the third consecutive month that the reading has increased.

The readings reflect the improving climate for truckers, FTR said, adding that U.S. economic fundamentals strengthened during 2011’s fourth quarter.

The TCI should stay in positive territory throughout 2012, FTR said, mostly due to capacity pressures from forecasted 4 percent growth in truck loadings alongside driver recruitment challenges.

“Demand for truck transport continues to grow at rates outstripping the growth in GDP," said Larry Gross, senior consultant for FTR.

"We believe this growth trend will continue, barring an exterior shock to the economy such as an uncontained European default situation or a disruption emanating from the Mideast. Growth should be sufficient to keep the balance firmly in favor of trucking carriers throughout the year.”

The TCI is a compilation of factors affecting trucking companies. Any reading above zero indicates an adequate trucking environment with readings above 10 a sign that volumes, prices and margin are in a good range for trucking companies.