FTR Associates' Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for January slipped an additional two points, falling to a reading of negative 7.1, reflecting deteriorating conditions for shippers in the early months of 2013. The SCI is forecast to continue to move downward as the year progresses and is expected to reach negative double-digit levels by year-end, indicating very difficult conditions for shippers.

FTR's Trucking Conditions Index for November as reported in the January 2013 Trucking Update rose almost two full points to a reading of 9.7. The gain was expected by FTR as conditions impacting trucking will continue to improve in anticipation of a tightened market in 2013.

FTR's Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) started to rise significantly in September as expected, recording a 65-percent increase over the August index numbers to a level of 9.6, before giving back some of that gain in October, easing to a reading of 7.9.

The estimated loss of $140m per day that the trucking industry will sustain from down time associated with 'Superstorm' Sandy will ultimately be recouped because of resupply and rebuilding truck freight demands, according to Noel Perry, senior consultant with FTR Associates. The per-day estimate of loss revenue is based on 20 percent of the industry not moving freight because of the storm and its aftermath.

FTR Associates has released preliminary data showing June Class 8 truck net orders at 16,195 units, the lowest month for orders since September 2010. Preliminary order numbers are for all major North American OEMs.