Washington – Trucking activity in the United States increased slightly in January, but volumes remained at low levels after significant declines in September and October. Specifically, truck freight tonnage increased 0.4% after falling 0.2% in December, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.
“Tonnage has lifted off the recent bottom in October with modest gains in November and January,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “However, truck freight tonnage in January was down 1.3% from the 2025 high point in August. The trucking recovery story is more of a supply-side one with those motor carriers remaining benefiting from reduced overall capacity.”
In January, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 113.0, up from 112.5 in December. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, increased 0.5% from the same month in 2025. In 2025, the tonnage index was flat compared to the 2024 average. (....)