ATA Truck Tonnage Index Rises 2.1% in August
U.S. for-hire truck tonnage hauled increased by 2.1% in August compared with the same month in 2014, American Trucking Associations reported Sept. 22.
ATA’s seasonally adjusted index checked in at 134.2. In July it was 135.3.
The index uses business activity from 2000 as a baseline reading of 100.
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said July’s activity was “robust” and that August represents “a breather” from that. The record high for the index was 135.8 in January.
Costello cited several examples of softness in the economy, including weak housing starts, falling factory output and high inventory levels. He said they could combine for a negative impact on freight volumes over the next few months.
According to @ataeconbob, August #truck tonnage dipped 0.9%. Still up 3.3% over 2014. http://t.co/FOCZTBdQuJ pic.twitter.com/cO9O171Xz0 — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) September 22, 2015
