The latest DAT North American Freight Index report of spot market freight volume showed increases in August from the previous month.

Trucking rates are expected to rise this fall as capacity tightens on regulatory effects and improved freight demand, according to FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index.

Freight volumes have remained steady into early September, but are showing little sign of an emerging peak shipping season because of economic weakness and changing strategies by carriers and shippers, according to industry officials.

Washington state’s two U.S. senators said they plan to introduce a bill next month to overhaul how the country collects and spends money to improve seaport freight infrastructure.

Truck freight capacity dipped in June, reflecting a relatively weak freight environment, according to the FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index.

TransCore’s DAT North American Freight Index for July increased 13% from the same month last year and increased from June for the first time since the index was established in 1996.

The largest trucking companies in the United States and Canada are hauling more freight than ever, but the slow pace of economic growth and the costs associated with increased government regulation is making it more difficult for many carriers to add capacity and invest in new equipment.

The Cass Freight Index, which measures shipment activity in trucking and other transport modes, declined 1.5% in June from a year ago.