Truck tonnage increased 0.3 percent in July, according to the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.
“While July wasn’t a strong month, we see continued evidence that the truck freight market is likely turning a corner, albeit slowly,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “Some of July’s small gain was likely due to strong import activity, especially at West Coast seaports. Decent retail sales and factory output growing slightly from a year earlier also helped truck tonnage last month.”
Tonnage declined 1.8 percent in June.
When compared to 2023, July’s index fell 0.9 percent, and June’s index decreased 0.6 percent.
ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its more than 37,000 members.
The index is a preliminary figure and can change. It represents the change in tonnage hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment.
Trucks haul 72.6 percent of tonnage, including manufactured and retail goods, carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation.
ATA issues a final report on approximately the fifth day of each month that includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, economic comparisons, and financial indicators.
ATA represents for-hire motor carriers, private carriers, shippers, industry suppliers and allied companies, and individual professionals.