For-Hire Freight Falls for Second Straight Month
A measure of total for-hire freight movements in the U.S. fell for the second straight month in April, according to a report issued Wednesday by Transportation Department.

Freight Transportation Services Index, April 2012 - April 2017. Graphic: U.S. DOT

Freight Transportation Services Index, April 2012 - April 2017.Graphic: U.S. DOT
A measure of total for-hire freight movements in the U.S. fell for the second straight month in April, according to a report issued Wednesday by Transportation Department.
Its Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.6% in April from March after reaching an all-time high in February and is down 2.3% since then. When April is compared to the same time a year ago it increased 0.8%.
The March index was revised downward to 123.5 from 124 in last month’s release while the February figure was also revised down slightly.
The Freight TSI, which is seasonally-adjusted, measures the month-to-month changes in for-hire freight shipments by mode of transportation in tons and ton-miles, which are combined into one index. It measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.
The April decrease in the Freight TSI was broad based, with declines in all freight transportation modes except air freight and trucking.
According to the department, the decrease took place despite growth in other economic indicators in April. The Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production index grew by 1% with growth in manufacturing, mining, and utilities while employment and personal income both grew in April. However, housing starts declined, while the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers’ Index showed positive but slowing growth.
The two-month decline in the index represents the third time it has decreased for two months in a row since the beginning of 2015, though it represents a more modest decrease than that of August/September 2016.
The Transportation Department said research has shown a clear relationship between economic cycles and the Freight TSI as well as its separate Passenger Transportation Services Index.
More Fleet Management

Color Match Smarter: Tools That Restore & Perform
For fleet managers and collision repair professionals keeping heavy-duty trucks on the road, getting the color right the first time isn't just about appearance — it's about efficiency, turnaround time, and bottom-line results. Discover how today's digital color tools are transforming the repair process from guesswork to precision.
Read More →
FMCSA Pauses Biennial-Update Enforcement Amid Motus Transition
Carriers whose updates were due on or after June 1 have more time, while FMCSA works to stabilize its new registration system and warns of phishing sites impersonating its new carrier registration system, Motus.
Read More →
2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Supply Chain Theft
Cargo theft is no longer just the cost of doing business. It's a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise exploiting vulnerabilities across your fleet, drivers, and supply chain.
Read More →
How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets
Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.
Read More →
What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →


