Truck Tonnage Falls 1% in July, ATA Reports

Truck Tonnage Slips in July After June Gains, ATA Reports

The amount of freight hauled by for-hire trucking companies declined in July after posting gains the previous month, according to the latest data from the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

The Truck tonnage index fell 1% in July on a seasonally adjusted basis after increasing 1.5% in June. The decline suggests that freight activity remained uneven despite signs that the trucking market continues to recover from the prolonged freight downturn.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said recent freight volumes have been inconsistent, with some areas of the economy performing better than others.

Truck tonnage declines after June increase

According to ATA, the advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index measured 113.5 in July, down from 114.7 in June. Compared with July 2025, the index was down 0.5%, reversing June’s 1.2% year-over-year increase. Year to date, however, truck tonnage remains 1.4% above the same period last year due to stronger freight volumes earlier in 2026.

ATA also revised June’s reading slightly higher than originally reported.

The not seasonally adjusted index, which reflects raw changes in freight hauled, measured 117 in July, down 0.9% from June’s reading of 118.

ATA says freight market remains uneven

Costello described recent truck tonnage levels as “choppy,” saying the July decline reflects the uneven pace of freight demand across the economy.

He noted that only a few sectors continue to show strong freight activity, including the ongoing construction of data centers supporting artificial intelligence. Outside of those areas, freight demand has generally remained soft.

At the same time, Costello said the trucking industry continues to recover, but much of that improvement is being driven by excess trucking capacity leaving the market rather than a broad surge in freight demand.

What the latest truck tonnage data means

The ATA Truck Tonnage Index measures freight hauled by for-hire motor carriers under contract. Because contract freight represents a large share of the trucking industry, the index is widely followed as an indicator of freight demand and overall trucking activity.

While the July decline points to slower freight movement compared with June, the year-to-date figures indicate that tonnage remains modestly ahead of 2025 levels.

The report also aligns with several other recent freight indicators showing that the trucking market continues to improve gradually, although month-to-month results remain inconsistent.

Recovery continues despite monthly volatility

For truck drivers and motor carriers, the latest Truck tonnage report reflects a market that continues to recover but has yet to establish consistent momentum.

Freight demand has improved compared with some of the weakest periods of the recent freight downturn, but monthly volumes continue to fluctuate as the industry adjusts to changing freight conditions and a reduction in excess trucking capacity. According to ATA, the July results are another reminder that the recovery remains uneven across different freight sectors.