FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) stayed close to neutral in April, slipping slightly from +0.1 in March to -0.6. While weaker freight volumes offered some relief for shippers, other components of the index—like rates, capacity, and fuel costs—were less favorable compared to the previous month.

According to Avery Vise, FTR’s VP of Trucking, the environment is shifting: “With the tariff-avoidance phase now over and geopolitical developments taking a higher profile, we expect more variability in freight market conditions for shippers than we have seen for 2025 so far.”

He added that ongoing volatility in fuel prices, rising insurance premiums, and tighter scrutiny around drivers’ English language skills could all impact truck capacity in the months ahead.

April’s index reflects a market that’s holding steady on the surface—but with potential disruptions building beneath. As the industry continues to navigate uncertain policy directions and economic shifts, FTR’s forecasts remain a critical resource for shippers looking to stay ahead.