Rail carriers index explained
An FTR exclusive index tracking the changes of four major conditions in the U.S. carload freight market.
What is the Rail Shipper Conditions Index?
The Rail Shipper Conditions Index is a composite score, published in the FTR Rail Update, that measures how four key market conditions — Freight Demand, Freight Rates, Fleet Capacity, and Fuel Price — combine to shape the U.S. carload freight environment for shippers. A positive score indicates favorable conditions; a negative score indicates unfavorable conditions.
What conditions does the index track?
This index, found in the Rail Update, tracks the impact of four major conditions in the U.S. carload freight market:- Freight Demand
- Freight Rates
- Fleet Capacity
- Fuel Price
These individual metrics are combined into the FTR Rail Shippers Conditions Index — a clear measure of the market conditions shaping the rail freight environment. Procurement teams can use this index to navigate rate and capacity negotiations with greater confidence and authority.
A positive score represents favorable conditions for rail shippers; a negative score represents unfavorable conditions.