Mar 1, 2012 9:30 AM

FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for December 2011 edged up roughly 1½ points from the previous month to a reading of –4.6, which still reflects a somewhat adverse environment for shippers.

The small improvement reflected a slight easing in demand for transport capacity. The SCI sums up all market influences that affect shippers; a reading above zero suggests a favorable shipping environment, while a reading below zero is unfavorable. FTR’s February Shippers Update, published February 10, reports that the tight equilibrium between demand and transport capacity will keep the Shippers Conditions Index stable in modestly negative territory until 2013, when it will slip further due to regulatory drag on capacity from the hours-of-service rule implementation.  

Larry Gross, senior consultant for FTR, said, “FTR’s base case anticipates that conditions will continue to be difficult for the nation’s shippers, even though economic growth is still anticipated to be lackluster. If the recent spate of good economic news translates into more robust economic growth, capacity would tighten significantly and greater upward pressure on freight rates will result.”

The February Shippers Update includes discussion of the impact the European debt crisis is likely to have on the US economy.  For more information about how to subscribe, e-mail sales@ftrassociates.com or call 888-988-1699 ext 1.