Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ATA Truck Tonnage index rose 1.7 Percent in February

The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index edged 1.7 percent higher in February 2009, marking the second consecutive month-to-month increase

by Staff
March 25, 2009
2 min to read


The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index edged 1.7 percent higher in February 2009, marking the second consecutive month-to-month increase.


Still, the gain over the past two months, totaling 4.8 percent, did not even erase the 7.8 percent contraction in December 2008. In February, the seasonally adjusted tonnage index equaled just 106.5 (2000 = 100), which is still extremely low, ATA warns. Also in February, the fleets reported lower volumes than in January, as the not seasonally adjusted index fell another 2 percent last month on top of January's 4.4 percent drop. In February, the not seasonally adjusted index equaled 95.3. Compared with February 2008, tonnage contracted 9.2 percent, which was the third-worst year-over-year decrease of the current cycle. 
 
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said he is very cautious about reading too much into February's seasonally adjusted month-to-month improvement. "As I said last month, tonnage will not fall every month on a seasonally adjusted basis, and just because it rose again in February doesn't mean the economy is on the mend," Costello said. "Tonnage plunged again on a year-over-year basis, which highlights the current weakness in the freight environment."  Costello also noted that fleets are still witnessing a tough environment and there is nothing that suggests freight volumes are about to embark on a sustained recovery. 
 
ATA noted on the impact of trucking company failures on the index: "Each month, ATA asks its membership the amount of tonnage each carrier hauled, including all types of freight. The indexes are calculated based on those responses. The sample includes an array of trucking companies, ranging from small fleets to multi-billion dollar carriers. When a company in the sample fails, we include its final month of operation and zero it out for the following month. This assumes the remaining carriers pick up that freight. As a result, it is close to a net wash and does not end up in a false increase. Nevertheless, some carriers are picking up freight from failures, and it may have boosted the index. Due to our correction mentioned above, however, it should be limited," the association said.
 


More Fleet Management

Illustration of computer and mobile screens with load matching software superimposed over photo of an oversize load
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Truckstop.com Adding to Open Deck, Heavy Haul Offerings

Load matching for flatbed, lowbed, oversize and overweight loads can't be automated like basic van freight, but Truckstop.com is adding more high-tech tools to help.

Read More →
Trucker Path, Truckstop.com partnership expands.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Trucker Path, Truckstop.com Expand Load Access Partnership

An expanded Trucker Path and Truckstop.com integration brings more freight opportunities into the TruckLoads app while emphasizing security and network quality.

Read More →
DAT TVI March 2026.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Truckload Rates Hit Two-Year Highs as Diesel Costs Surge, DAT Says

Strong March freight demand combined with a spike in fuel costs pushed both spot and contract truckload rates to their highest levels in more than two years.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cloud computing concept background with human and robot hands concept
Fleet ManagementApril 14, 2026

The AI Conversation You Need to Have with Your TMS Provider

Everyone’s talking about AI — but is your transportation management system actually built for it?

Read More →
Sharp Transportation tractor-trailer
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kriska Buys Fellow Canadian Carrier Sharp Transportation Systems

Being part of KTG will allow Sharp to expand and improve its services.

Read More →
Illustration with stacks of money and a shattered car windshield
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

Bill in House Would Raise Minimum Insurance for Motor Carriers to $5 Million

The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would increase insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers by nearly seven times.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FTR market report for February 2026.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 10, 2026

FTR Trucking Conditions Index Hits Four-Year High in February

Strong freight rates push TCI to 10.2, but FTR expects fuel-price volatility to skew March results.

Read More →
C.H. Robinson intermodal.

C.H. Robinson Offers Carriers Relief as Diesel Prices Surge

C.H. Robinson is waiving fees on fuel cards and cash advances for April and May, aiming to help carriers offset rising diesel costs tied to geopolitical instability.

Read More →
Fleet Managementby StaffApril 8, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsApril 6, 2026

Volvo’s Quiet Confidence Turns into a Full-Throated Bet on the Future

After years of steady, methodical progress, Peter Voorhoeve says the OEM’s latest lineup isn’t just evolutionary. It’s delivering real, measurable gains for fleets right now.

Read More →