NASHVILLE, IN – FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for March showed a half-point improvement over February, and the forecast for 2012, FTR said, is a steady climb throughout 2012, with the index hitting double digits in early 2013.

FTR expects Truck freight to increase at a 4 to 5 percent growth rate for the remainder of 2012, putting pressure on capacity. This will allow fleets more leeway in the freight they choose to haul and at what rate, FTR said.

“Slightly weaker than expected freight volumes during the first quarter has kept a lid on seeing stronger upward movement in the TCI,” said Jon Starks, director of Transportation Analysis for FTR. “The index shows the clear u-shaped pattern of industry conditions in 2011-2012 as the strong demand growth of 2010 faded. Now, with an improving economy and growing regulatory drag, market tightness is slowly developing again with trucking conditions expected to approach their favorable 2010 levels by year’s end.”