
American Trucking Associations seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index has increased 0.7% in September after falling by 0.9% in the previous month.
After decreasing in August, the ATA's Truck Tonnage Index rose again in September, though the gain didn't quite make up for the losses.


American Trucking Associations seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index has increased 0.7% in September after falling by 0.9% in the previous month.
The index equaled 135.1 which was up from the 134.1 it showed in August and neared its all-time high of 135.8 which was reached in January of this year. The Index is also up year-over-year with a increase of 3.1% compared to September 2014.
The not-seasonally adjusted index, that represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 138.9. It represents an increase of 1.4% above August.
“The see-saw pattern in truck freight tonnage continued again in September, except that the gain didn’t fully wipe out August’s decline” said Bob Costello, ATA chief economist. “However, over the last few months tonnage has snapped back from softness this past spring and early summer, and is approaching the record high.”
Despite the positive movement, Costello added that he is concerned about the high level of inventories in the supply chain. Inventories increased in August which could have a negative impact on freight volumes in the coming months, he said.

ACT Research data shows volumes hitting a four-year high and supply-demand balance strengthening, but higher oil prices are undercutting tariff relief and tempering optimism.
Read More →
The patent-pending cargo solution integrates a digitally connected cargo door and an intelligent locking system with the TrailerHawk.AI technology platform.
Read More →
The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.
Read More →
Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
Read More →
New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
Read More →
Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
Read More →
DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
Read More →
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →