Shippers conditions index explained

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

These four metrics are combined into a single composite index that reflects the market conditions shaping your freight transportation environment.

• A positive score represents favorable conditions for shippers (e.g., ample capacity, stable or declining rates, or strong demand alignment).
• A negative score represents challenging conditions for shippers (e.g., tight capacity, elevated freight rates, or weak demand).

What is the FTR Shippers Conditions Index?

The FTR Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) is a monthly composite indicator that gives shippers a quick, data-driven snapshot of current U.S. truckload market conditions. It measures four key inputs — freight demand, freight rates, fleet capacity, and fuel price — and combines them into a single score to help shippers assess and act on market conditions.

The SCI tells you the industry’s status at a glance. Think of it like a fever reading: it may not pinpoint the exact cause, but it immediately signals whether conditions warrant deeper investigation. A reading below zero on the SCI indicates challenging market conditions, while readings well above zero indicate favorable opportunity for shippers. Readings near zero are consistent with a neutral operating environment. Double-digit readings — whether positive or negative — are strong signals of significant shifts in the freight market and warrant prompt attention from your logistics and procurement teams.