Truck Tonnage Index Sees Strongest Gain Since 2022

Truck Tonnage Index Up 3% Year-Over-Year in March

Truck Tonnage Index Shows Growth in March 2026

Trucking activity in the United States continued to rise in March, according to new data from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 0.3% in March after a stronger 2.9% gain in February.

The latest data shows that while monthly growth slowed slightly, overall freight movement remains stronger compared to last year. The seasonally adjusted index reached 117.0 in March, up from 116.6 in February.

Year-Over-Year Growth Hits Highest Level Since 2022

The most notable trend in the report is the year-over-year increase. The truck tonnage index rose 3% compared to March 2025, marking the largest yearly gain since October 2022.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello noted that the first quarter of 2026 showed solid performance. He said that when looking at both monthly and yearly trends, this was the strongest quarter since 2017.

During the first three months of the year, tonnage increased 2.1% compared to the same period in 2025. This follows a flat performance in 2025, when the index showed little change from 2024 levels.

Monthly Gains Follow Strong February Surge

March’s increase comes after a strong February, which saw a 2.9% rise. That figure was later revised slightly higher from earlier estimates.

Although March growth was smaller, the overall trend suggests steady improvement in freight demand.

The not seasonally adjusted index, which reflects actual freight movement without adjustments, reached 120.1 in March. This was 12% higher than February’s reading of 107.3, showing a significant jump in raw tonnage hauled.

What the Truck Tonnage Index Means

The truck tonnage index is often used as a measure of freight demand and overall economic activity.

Trucking plays a major role in the U.S. economy. Trucks move about 72.7% of all domestic freight by weight, including retail goods, raw materials, and manufactured products.

In 2024 alone, trucks hauled more than 11.2 billion tons of freight. The industry also generated about $906 billion in revenue, representing the majority of earnings across all transportation modes.

Because of this, changes in tonnage can signal shifts in the broader economy, including consumer demand and industrial activity.

Contract Freight Continues to Drive the Market

The ATA index is based mainly on contract freight rather than spot market activity. This means it reflects long-term shipping agreements between carriers and customers.

As a result, the index may not fully capture short-term changes in spot market rates or load volumes. However, it provides a more stable view of overall freight trends.

The data is collected through surveys of ATA member carriers and has been tracked since the 1970s.

What This Means for Truck Drivers

The latest increase in truck tonnage suggests that freight demand is improving compared to last year.

For drivers, this could signal:

• More consistent freight volumes
• Stronger demand in contract lanes
• Gradual recovery after a flat 2025

However, because the index is driven by contract freight, conditions in the spot market may still vary.

Outlook for the Rest of 2026

The first quarter results point to a stronger start to the year compared to recent periods. While monthly gains may fluctuate, the year-over-year growth suggests that freight demand is moving in a positive direction.

ATA noted that the March figure is preliminary and could be revised in the final report released in early May.

As the year continues, the trucking industry will likely watch for continued growth in tonnage as a sign of broader economic stability and demand for freight transportation.