Shippers conditions index explained

Individual industry metrics are combined into a single index that tracks the market conditions that influence shipper's freight transport environment.

This index, found in the FTR Shippers Update, tracks the changes representing four major
conditions in the U.S. full-load freight market. The major conditions are:

  1. freight demand
  2. freight rates
  3. fleet capacity
  4. fuel price
The individual metrics are combined into a single index that tracks the market conditions that influence the shipper's freight transport environment.
  • A positive score represents good, optimistic conditions.
  • A negative score represents bad, pessimistic conditions.

The index tells you the industry’s status at a glance. In life, running a fever is an indication of a health problem. It may not tell you exactly what’s wrong, but it alerts you to look deeper. Similarly, a reading below zero on the FTR Shippers Conditions Index warns you of a problem….and readings high above zero spell opportunity. Readings near zero are consistent with a neutral operating environment. Double-digit readings (both up or down) are warning signs for significant operating changes.