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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Slipped in September

[ October 23, 2025   //   ]

U.S. trucking activity decreased to its lowest level in three months September, pushing the level down to the lowest in three months, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.

Truck freight tonnage declined 0.9 percent after gaining 0.9 percent in August and 1.1 percent in July

“Tonnage levels remain choppy, but they are up 2.1 percent since hitting a low in January,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Compared to the high three years earlier, however, truck tonnage is still off by 3.9 percent. In fact, September’s tonnage level was essentially the same as in September 2023, underscoring the tough freight market over the last few years.”

In September, the index was 114.2, down from 115.3 in August. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, rose 0.8 percent from the same month last year after increasing 0.4 percent in August. Year-to-date, compared with the same period in 2024, tonnage was up 0.2 percent.

The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 114.7 in September, 2.6 percent below August’s reading of 117.7. 

Trucking in the U.S. represents 72.7 percent of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2024 (includes forecasts). Motor carriers collected US$906 billion, or 76.9 percent of total revenue earned by all transport modes. 

Both indices are dominated by contract freight. The tonnage index has surveyed its membership since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 5th day of each month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.

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