Latest ATA Truck Tonnage Index: Results Are Steady in January

Truck Tonnage Index Remains Steady in January Despite Weather and Economic Challenges

In a recent report by the American Trucking Associations, trucking activity in the United States stayed the same in January. This came after declines in November and December. The report used the advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index. This index uses 2015 as its base year, where 2015 equals 100.

The index was 111.9 in January. It was the same as it was in December. The index was up 0.3% compared to the same month last year. This was the first year-over-year increase since August. The report also gave a non-seasonally adjusted index. This index went from 108.9 in December to 110 in January. That is a 1.1% rise.

Understanding the ATA Truck Tonnage Index

The ATA Truck Tonnage Index is an important tool for the industry. It measures the amount of freight moved by trucks. The index is based on surveys taken from ATA members. These surveys have been conducted since the 1970s. This long history makes the index very reliable.

The report shows two types of numbers. One is seasonally adjusted. This removes the effects of weather and seasonal changes. The other is non-seasonally adjusted. This number shows the raw data. Both numbers help industry experts see how much freight is being moved.

Weather and Natural Disruptions

Weather had a big impact in January. A massive winter storm hit many parts of the country. The storm brought very cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Even areas that rarely see such storms were affected. In California, wildfires disrupted freight movements even more.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello explained the situation. He said, “After declines in November and December totaling 1.7%, tonnage was unchanged in January” and added, “This outcome is impressive considering the massive winter storm that brought cold temperatures and significant snowfalls to large parts of the country, including those that rarely see such storms. Furthermore, the terrible wildfires in California likely also caused freight disruptions. Softness in manufacturing and retail sales continue to be a drag on truck freight volumes as well, so the fact tonnage was flat is a positive sign.”

These words show that the industry faced many challenges in January.

Economic Factors Affecting Trucking

Trucking is very important to the U.S. economy. In a recent report by the American Trucking Associations, the industry was shown to carry 72.7% of all freight tonnage moved by different transportation modes. Trucks move both manufactured goods and retail items.

In 2024, trucks hauled 11.27 billion tons of freight. Motor carriers earned $906 billion in revenue. This revenue represents 76.9% of the total earnings from all transport modes. These figures show that trucking is a major part of the economy. Even though there was softness in manufacturing and retail sales, trucking activity remained steady in January.

Revised Truck Tonnage Index and Its Importance

The ATA recently revised its seasonally adjusted index. They included data from the past five years. This annual update helps keep the index accurate. It also shows recent trends clearly.

The seasonally adjusted index removes seasonal effects. The non-seasonally adjusted index shows the actual change in tonnage. Having both numbers is very useful. They help experts see the big picture and make smart decisions. The revised index makes the data even more helpful.

The Role of Contract Freight in the Truck Tonnage Index

A large part of the ATA index comes from contract freight. Contract freight involves long-term agreements between shippers and carriers. This type of freight gives more stability. The spot market, by contrast, can change quickly. With contract freight, rates and demand are steadier.

Many motor carriers rely on contract freight. This stability helps them plan their revenue. The report shows that contract freight is a key reason why the numbers stayed steady in January.

Trucker Activity as an Economic Barometer

Trucking is often seen as a sign of the nation’s economic health. The amount of freight moved by trucks can show how busy the economy is. In a recent report by the American Trucking Associations, the figures for 2024 were very strong. Trucks carried most of the freight in the country. This makes trucking a key indicator for the economy.

Even with challenges in manufacturing and retail, the steady numbers in January show the strength of the industry. The report makes it clear that trucks play a major role in keeping the economy running.

Future Outlook for the Trucking Industry

The steady performance in January may hint at a recovery or a period of stability. Challenges from severe weather and economic softness still exist. However, the data shows that the industry can handle these obstacles. The ATA will continue to monitor freight activity every month.

This ongoing monitoring will help carriers, shippers, and policymakers understand the trends. New reports will show how the industry responds to weather and economic changes. The future of trucking looks cautiously optimistic. The industry has shown that it can remain steady even in tough times.

Key Takeaways from January’s Truck Tonnage Index

In a recent report by the American Trucking Associations, the advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index held at 111.9 in January. This was the same as in December. The index was up 0.3% compared to the same month last year. The non-seasonally adjusted index increased by 1.1% from December.

The report highlighted how weather affected the industry. A major winter storm and wildfires in California disrupted freight movements. Despite these challenges, the numbers stayed flat. The report also pointed out the important role of contract freight. This type of freight helped keep the figures stable.

Trucking is a major economic force. Trucks carried 72.7% of all freight tonnage. They hauled 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2024. Motor carriers earned $906 billion in revenue. These numbers show that trucking is essential to the U.S. economy.

Looking Ahead

The ATA report shows the strength and resilience of the trucking industry. The steady numbers in January are a positive sign. They show that the industry can face severe winter storms and wildfires without a drop in activity. Economic challenges in manufacturing and retail did not pull the numbers down either.

The American Trucking Associations have provided a detailed look at current freight activity. The data shows that trucks remain a backbone of the national economy. The steady figures suggest that the industry is well-prepared to handle future obstacles.

As the ATA continues to update its reports, more insights will help guide the trucking industry. The data will support smart decisions by carriers, shippers, and policymakers. The report serves as a reminder of the important role that trucking plays in moving goods across the country.

In summary, the recent ATA report shows that trucking activity stayed steady in January. This happened despite tough weather conditions and economic challenges. The trucking industry remains a key pillar of the U.S. economy. Its strength and resilience offer hope for continued stability in the months ahead.