Truck Tonnage Dips Again in July

The trucking industry moved less freight in July than in June, according to one group’s report.

According to the American Trucking Association (ATA) seasonally adjusted Truck Tonnage Index — which was issued Aug. 22 — for-hire transportation experienced a 0.8 percent drop in total tonnage for July. This compares with June, which itself saw a 0.3 percent decline.

“Headwinds for freight remained in July, pushing the truck tonnage index lower,” ATA’s Chief Economist Bob Costello stated. “As has been the case for several months, a multitude of factors have caused a recession in freight, including sluggish spending on goods by households as consumers traveled more and went to concerts this summer.”

Year-over-year results fared worse, with July representing the fifth year in a row that truck tonnage has slipped. According to the report, the index values for July were 3 percent lower than in July 2022. June also saw a dip from the previous year, clocking in at 3.2 percent lower than last June.

The index is based on an ATA’s survey of members, and focuses more on contract freight than the spot market.