Economic Watch: Non-Manufacturing Activity Continues Growing
Activity in the U.S. non-manufacturing sector continued growing in October, but not as fast as the month before.
Activity in the U.S. non-manufacturing sector continued growing in October, but not as fast as the month before.
The latest reading from the nation’s purchasing and supply executives shows the second straight monthly drop and its lowest level since June, according to the Non-Manufacturing Institute for Supply Management Report On Business.
The index registered 57.1% in October, 1.5 percentage points lower than the September reading of 58.6%. This still represents continued growth for the 57th consecutive month in the non-manufacturing sector because a reading over 50 indicates expansion while one below 50 is a sign of contraction.
The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased to 60%, which is 2.9 percentage points lower than the September reading of 62.9%, reflecting growth for the 63rd consecutive month but at a slower rate. The New Orders Index registered 59.1%, 1.9 percentage points lower than the reading of 61% registered in September. The Employment Index increased 1.1 percentage points to 59.6% from the September reading of 58.5% and indicates growth for the eighth consecutive month.
According to the index, all 16 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in October.
“The majority of the respondents’ comments reflect favorable business conditions, however, there is an indication that there continues to be a leveling off from the strong rate of growth of the preceding months,” said Anthony Nieves, chair of the Institute for Supply Management ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
The report was released on the same day a separate one showed the U.S. economy added more than 200,000 private sector jobs for the seventh straight month.
More Fleet Management

What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets
Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.
Read More →
New C.H. Robinson Tool Opens Door to More Predictable Freight
BidBoardX lets carriers search, bid on, and secure committed freight opportunities through a single digital marketplace.
Read More →
New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results
Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.
Read More →
Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money
A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.
Read More →
Time is Running Out to Apply for Exclusive HDT Event
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 the September event.
Read More →
Amazon Launches Less-Than-Truckload Freight Offering for All Businesses
This launch is the latest addition to Amazon Supply Chain Services, a portfolio of supply chain capabilities from Amazon, including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping.
Read More →
Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall
After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.
Read More →
AUCTION OF EQUITY INTEREST IN HEAVY HAUL TRUCKING COMPANY!!
Mark your calendar: June 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m. PDT). A 37.5% ownership interest in MagnaTrans, LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as Magna Transportation Group, will be sold in an in-person and online auction to the highest bidder or bidders under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Rancho Cucamonga-based heavy haul and over-dimensional trucking company operates across California, Oregon, and Arizona.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Adds Unattended Over-the-Air Software Update Capabilities
The latest evolution of Volvo’s over-the-air update technology allows software updates to run while trucks are parked, helping fleets keep vehicles current without disrupting operations.
Read More →How Waste Connections is Using Data, Telematics, and AI
How do you manage and maintain more than 18,000 connected trucks? Data. Lots of it.
Read More →

