For-Hire Freight Index Hits Another Record High
The amount of freight moved by the U.S. for-hire transportation industry hit a second consecutive all-time high in November, according to new Transportation Department figures.

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

The amount of freight moved by the U.S. for-hire transportation industry hit a second consecutive all-time high in November, according to new Transportation Department figures.
Its Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.2% from October to a reading of 130.8. When November is compared to the same time a year earlier, the index posted a 5.8% gain.
The October index was revised upward to 130.5 from 129.2 in last month’s release. Monthly numbers for April through September were also revised up slightly while March was revised down slightly.
The Freight TSI 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. The index 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.
Notable increases in trucking, rail carloads, rail intermodal, and air freight led the November increase while water and pipeline freight declined, according to the report. The TSI increase took place against a background of strong results in other economic indicators.
The Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production index rose by 0.2% in November, with increases in manufacturing and mining. Employment rose, personal income grew and housing starts increased. The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing index declined to 58.2, indicating positive but decelerating growth.
The Freight TSI’s new all-time high in November is 4.7% above the level of July 2016 which was the highest level prior to 2017. November was the sixth all-time high in 2017. The seven months from May to November 2017 were the seven highest levels the Freight TSI has ever attained. The Freight TSI was at or above 124 in every month of 2017, a level it reached in only two months prior to 2017.
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 →

