Freight Ton-Mileage Could Increase 49% by 2045
Ton-miles on the U.S. transportation system are projected to grow by 49% in the next 30 years, according to new freight projections from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the Federal Highway Administration.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Ton-miles on the U.S. transportation system are projected to grow by 49% in the next 30 years, according to new freight projections from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the Federal Highway Administration.
The transportation system is projected to carry 7.6 trillion ton-miles in 2045, up from the 5.1 trillion ton-miles it supported in 2015, according to version 4.3 of the Freight Analysis Framework. Verison 4.3 is the first release of ton-mile numbers from the updated FAF series that uses a base year of 2012.
Last march, BTS and FHWA also released the projections for freight value and tonnage. FAF data is available for the base year of 2012, the recent years of 2013-2015, and forecasts from 2020 through 2045 in five-year intervals. Users can also use the FAF data Tabulation tool to create and download customized FAF4 summary tables.
More Fleet Management

July Imports Poised to Set Container Record
The National Retail Federation projects July container imports will surpass the pandemic-era record as shippers frontload freight ahead of expected August tariff increases.
Read More →
HDT Announces 2026 Truck Fleet Innovator Finalists
From AI and fleet electrification to safety, operations, and leadership, these HDT Truck Fleet Innovator finalists are changing how trucking gets done.
Read More →
Van Spot Rates Top Contract Rates for First Time Since 2022
There’s more good economic news for the North American trucking industry according to the latest Truckload Volume Index report from DAT.
Read More →
Carrier Transicold Extends Refrigerated Trailer Life
Fleet Refresh enables refrigerated fleets to replace aging transport refrigeration units instead of entire trailers, while adding Lynx Fleet telematics and BluEdge service coverage.
Read More →
FTR Says Freight Rates Surged in May
FTR's Trucking Conditions Index surged to a record high in May, the analytics firm reports.
Read More →
Meet HDT's Truck Fleet Innovators at Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange
Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange brings fleet managers and suppliers together for the deeper conversations that lead to ideas, partnerships, and solutions. Time is running out to apply for HDTX, September 23-25.
Read More →
Enhance Fleet Performance with High-Efficiency Auxiliary Power Units
Drive sustainable cost savings while increasing driver comfort during short- and long-haul logistics operations.
Read More →
Is Your Parts Procurement Process Reactive or Proactive?
Ready to revamp your parts procurement process? Learn how now with “Strategic Parts Purchasing: A Process Checklist”
Read More →
What Trucking Events are Happening in 2026?
Looking for trucking-related conventions, expos, and other events? Heavy Duty Trucking has developed this list of national and larger regional trucking shows and events.
Read More →
Truckload Rates Keep Rising as Tight Capacity Fuels Freight Market Recovery
Spot and contract rates continued climbing in May and June, not because freight demand is surging, but because fewer trucks and drivers are available.
Read More →

