BLOOMINGTON, IN. — FTR reported today that their Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for March showed improvement in what they said is an already favorable environment for truckers.

Favorable, but changing, FTR stressed.

“FTR estimates an overall productivity reduction of about 3 percent from the changes in Hours of Service, but this will vary widely depending on the characteristics of each carrier and shipper,” said Larry Gross, senior consultant for FTR. “Removal of 3 percent of trucking capacity should be enough to start rates on a solid upward trajectory. If regulators continue to roll out the additional regulatory changes already in the pipeline and freight continues to grow at even a moderate pace, tight conditions could continue for several years.”

The TCI summarizes a collection of industry metrics, and any readings above 10 signal that volumes, prices, and margins are in a favorable range for trucking companies.

March’s TCI is at 13.12.