Truck Tonnage Stays Level in January

After falling in November and December, truck tonnage was unchanged in January, according to one report. 

This outcome was a bit surprising, according to the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, given “myriad factors that depressed freight volumes around the country” during the month. 

In the Feb. 18 report, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello specifically pointed out the winter weather seen across the country, as well as the wildfires in California. 

“Softness in manufacturing and retail sales continue to be a drag on truck freight volumes as well, so the fact tonnage was flat is a positive sign,” Costello stated. 

Year-over-year, tonnage is up 0.3 percent, which is the first increase seen in that realm since August, according to the report.  

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