Trucking activity in the United States increased again in August, pushing the level up to the highest point since December 2023. Specifically, truck freight tonnage rose 0.9% after gaining 1.1% in July, according to the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.

"The good news is that truck freight volumes had a nice end of the summer," said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. "However, while I'd like to predict a strong rebound in freight levels through the upcoming holidays, I can't. I believe traditional seasonal patterns are off this year as shippers adjust to tariffs. Plus, housing remains soft, the slowing labor market is likely to show up in consumer spending at some point, and most manufacturing metrics are either decelerating or declining."

In August, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 115.3, up from 114.3 in July. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, rose 0.4% from the same month last year after increasing 0.5% in July. Year-to-date, compared with the same period in 2024, tonnage was up 0.1%.

Source: ATA

 

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