Truck Tonnage Rises in February

More freight moved in February than in January, according to one report. 

A 3 percent jump in tonnage was seen during the month, according to American Trucking Association’s (ATA) seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, which is “the largest sequential increase in several years.” 

In the March 18 release, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said indications point to this being the beginning of a freight recovery. 

“This outcome fits well with our growing optimism for the truck freight market after a two-year recession,” Costello stated. 

The report also shows that tonnage is up 0.6 percent year over year, which marks the second straight month of a year-over-year increase. That hasn’t been seen since early 2023, according to the document. 

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