NASHVILLE, IN — FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) dropped slightly in January to 6.1.

Larry Gross, senior consultant for FTR said that one of the contributing factors to the decline was the spike in diesel prices due to tensions in the Middle East. "Downside pressure will continue until the price stabilizes," he said.

"However, barring a significant economic slowdown from an external factor such as an actual Mideast confrontation, the fundamentals for the trucking industry are expected to continue to strengthen throughout the year, and we could well see a surprise on the upside if important sectors such as automotive and even housing continue to improve.”

FTR is forecasting a slow climb to strongly positive territory for trucking throughout 2012, with volumes and profits sufficient for investment for growth by year’s end.

The strengthening US economy is expected to produce, at minimum, a 3.9 percent growth in truck freight that will be greater than overall GDP performance.