The American Trucking Assns.’ (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.2% to a record high 160.8 (1993=100) in April, the national association for the trucking industry reported this week.

April’s improvement was the third straight increase and the seventh in the last eight months. In March, the tonnage index rose 1.6%.
From March to April, the unadjusted index actually fell 4.2% because less freight is traditionally hauled in the fourth month of the year versus the previous month. Compared to April 2003, the unadjusted index jumped 6.1%. Year-to-date, compared to the same period in 2003, truck tonnage was up a hearty 6.7%.
"There’s a significant amount of freight to be hauled from this much stronger economy," said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello, "so it’s no surprise that truck tonnage was robust again in April." Costello said he continued to be "very optimistic" about the outlook for the general economy and the trucking industry.
"Solid manufacturing production, inventory rebuilding and strong retail sales will keep motor carriers busy for some time," he said.
Trucks hauled 9.0 billion tons of freight in 2003, or 68.9% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation. Motor carriers collected $610 billion dollars, or 86.9% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.
ATA has been calculating the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the seventh day of every month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.