---
title: Trucking Conditions Index Edges Higher in July
description: July’s TCI improves slightly but remains negative, reflecting stabilized fuel prices and shifting capacity signals. Explore deeper insights and forecasts from FTR’s experts.
---

[State of Freight TODAY ](https://today.ftrintel.com)

# [Trucking Conditions Index Edges Higher in July](https://today.ftrintel.com/tci-september-2025)

 Written by [Avery Vise, VP of Trucking](https://today.ftrintel.com/author/avery-vise) | 9/30/25 6:08 PM

FTR’s **Trucking Conditions Index (TCI)** for July posted a modest improvement, climbing to **-1.03 from June’s -1.83**. While the index remains in negative territory, the move suggests slightly more favorable operating conditions for carriers.

### What’s Behind the Shift?

- **Fuel prices stabilized** – After a sharp rise in June, diesel price increases slowed considerably, providing some relief.
- **Freight-related factors softened** – Volumes and rates weakened compared to June, keeping overall conditions difficult for carriers.
- **Capacity signals shifted** – A preliminary revision of trucking employment data suggests tighter capacity than previously thought.

📊 Explore the full TCI charts here: [FTR Trucking Conditions Index](https://www.ftrintel.com/trucking-conditions-index)

### Industry Insights from Avery Vise

> Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking, noted that while freight rates and volume remain weak, several factors could reshape the outlook:
> 
> - Rising truck insurance costs could stress capacity.
> - Foreign driver availability faces new pressures.
> - Utilization forecasts remain flat, but the potential for improved freight volume could strengthen the market.

### Looking Deeper in the September Trucking Update

The September edition of **FTR’s Trucking Update** goes beyond the headline index:

- Analysis of **freight volumes, capacity environment, and rates**
- A closer look at **English language proficiency (ELP) requirements** and their potential effect on capacity following an August crash in Florida
- Broader **economic trends** influencing the trucking market
  
  [Download a Sample Report Today](https://www.ftrintel.com/trucking-update)

 

 

[View full post](https://today.ftrintel.com/tci-september-2025)

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