March Trucking Conditions: Calm Before the Storm?

Source: FTR Transportation Intelligence

Chicago, May 21, 2025 – FTR’s latest Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) edged into positive territory in March, posting a reading of 0.28, up from -0.21 in February. While this modest rebound suggests some underlying strength—mainly from improved freight volumes and lower fuel prices—transportation leaders shouldn’t mistake this uptick for stability.

Despite March’s relative calm, geopolitical tensions are heating up. China’s retaliatory tariffs and fresh U.S. trade measures are already reshaping freight flows and injecting volatility into an already uncertain environment.

FTR analysts caution that the months ahead could bring greater disruption, putting rate structures, supply chains, and carrier profitability under renewed pressure.