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

“Capacity pressures from forecasted 4% growth in truck loadings alongside driver recruitment challenges should keep TCI in good positive territory throughout 2012,” FTR officials said in release.

The Trucking Conditions Index 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.

“Demand for truck transport continues to grow at rates outstripping the growth in GDP. 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,” said Larry Gross, senior consultant for FTR. “Growth should be sufficient to keep the balance firmly in favour of trucking carriers throughout the year.”