NASHVILLE, IN - For fleets needing additional drivers the constraint will be in their ability to hire and train prospects from the available labor pool, according to FTR Associates' Driver Supply Update for May. The report shows that while there are sufficient numbers of experienced drivers looking for work the fleets have pared down their hiring and training departments so severely during the recent downturn that most will be challenged to process a sufficient number of drivers to fill previously parked trucks.  FTR estimates that the industry's hiring ability has been cut by one third. 

The Driver Supply Update consolidates and reports data affecting driver supply and is part of FTR's Freight Focus Series, a new suite of data and business strategy-orientated publications.  Also available in this series are the Trucking Update, Intermodal Update, Rail Update and soon to be launched Shippers Update.  "FTR is the only company that fully covers the North American heavy freight market" commented Eric Starks, President of FTR Associates. "Bringing our reports that cover the movement of freight together under The Freight Focus Series designation recognizes that."   For more details on each report, please contact FTR Associates at 888-988-1699 - Ext. 45.

FTR Associates, located in Nashville, IN has been a leader in transportation forecasting for over 20 years.  The company's U.S. Freight Model collects and analyzes all data likely to impact freight movement and is based on specific characteristics for over 200 commodity groups.  FTR Associates' forecast reports cover trucking and rail transportation and include demand analysis for commercial vehicle as well as railcar.  Specially designed reports are offered to participants in both industries to cover specific needs.  For more information about the work of FTR Associates, visit www.ftrassociates.com or call Helen Lile at (888) 988-1699 Ext. 45.