Shippers Conditions Index

FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index for April Reflects the Continuing Challenging Environment

FTR Shippers Conditions Index for April at -17.4 was only slightly improved from March’s -18.9 reading. The contribution from fuel costs was notably less negative than it had been in March, but most of that relative relief was offset by freight rates and capacity constraints that were markedly more negative for shippers than they were in the previous month.

Avery Vise, FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, commented, “There aren’t really any silver linings in our outlook for shippers’ market conditions, especially through the balance of 2026. The least challenging factor for shippers in the SCI is a freight volume environment that is still fairly close to neutral. However, that situation is complicated.

“Although a lack of robust volume systemwide is reassuring for those responsible for moving goods for individual shippers, it also implies a lack of strong demand for purchasing goods, which is not good financially for the companies that employ those transportation professionals. Signs do point to potentially stronger consumption due to stronger job growth and continued gains in the industrial sector, but stronger activity likely would bring even stronger freight rates and capacity utilization.”

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This index represents four major conditions in the U.S. full-load freight market. These metrics are combined into a single index that tracks the market conditions that influence a shipper's freight transportation environment.

Don't miss next month's release of the Shipper's Conditions Index.

FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index for April Reflects the Continuing Challenging Environment