For January, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI (Shippers Conditions Index) reading was -11.1, which is down from December’s -8.8 and November’s -8.9. FTR said the January reading points to the ongoing challenges shippers are up against, with the firm expecting what it expects to be a tough 2018 for both capacity and rates. And it added that rates are expected to expand annually in the second quarter prior to a modest decline over the second half of the year.