Great Dane
The freight market experienced a 3% sequential tonnage increase in February as well as its second straight year-over-year gain, furthering optimism it is emerging from its recession, American Trucking Associations reported March 18.
The ATA For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased to 115.2 from 111.9 in January. The index also was up 0.6% from 2024, marking the first time it has shown consecutive year-over-year increases since early 2023.
“After a scant 0.1% decline in January, which wasn’t bad considering the harsh winter weather and California wildfires, truck tonnage had a robust gain in February,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “This outcome fits well with our growing optimism for the truck freight market after a two-year recession.”
ATA calculates its monthly tonnage index based on feedback from contract freight. In calculating the index, 100 represents 2015. The association also noted that the not seasonally adjusted index decreased 4.7% sequentially to 104.8 in February. This calculates raw changes in tonnage haul.
“Some of the gain in February was due to accelerated imports as shippers brought products into the U.S. before tariffs hit,” Costello said. “Even accounting for this, the first two months of the year were positive, all things considered, showing that the freight recovery has started.”
