Fuel Costs Push FTR Shippers Conditions Index Down in August

FTR’s August 2026 Shippers Conditions Index fell to -15.4 from -8.1 in July, driven primarily by a renewed surge in fuel costs. Freight rates were also a slightly larger negative for shippers during the month.

“We obviously knew that the SCI would take a big hit due to diesel prices jumping more than 50 cents a gallon on average in August after declining in June and July,” said Avery Vise, vice president of trucking at FTR. “Freight rates and tight capacity remain major challenges for shippers, but at least the pain in those areas is not worsening at the rate it was earlier in the year.”

Fuel Costs Drive August Decline

FTR said the index likely deteriorated further in September after diesel prices reached a record high.

“With fuel costs surging to a record high in September, the market continues to be highly unfavorable for shippers, and any prospects for near-term relief seem speculative,” Vise said. “We expect further stabilization in rates and utilization, but both factors look at least mildly negative for shippers over the forecast horizon.”