Trucking activity in the United States jumped in February, pushing tonnage levels to the highest point in three years. Specifically, truck freight tonnage increased 2.6% after gaining 0.7% in January, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.

“February’s robust gain is great to see, but the size of the gain is likely magnified due to lower industry capacity,” says ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello, one of the most respected authorities on the freight economy who regularly speaks at the annual Food Shippers conference. “With that said, particularly after a very prolonged freight recession, improving volumes in any manner is welcomed.”

In February, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 116.2, up from 113.3 in January. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, increased 2.1% from the same month in 2025, the largest year-over-year gain since October 2022. During the first two months of the year, tonnage was up 1.4% from the same period last year. In 2025, the tonnage index was flat compared to the 2024 average.

January’s SA increase was revised up slightly from what was first reported in our February 24 press release.

The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 106.9 in February, 1.5% below January’s reading of 108.5.

Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 72.7% 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. Motor carriers collected $906 billion, or 76.9% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.

Both indices are dominated by contract freight, as opposed to traditional spot market freight. The tonnage index is calculated on surveys from its membership and has been doing so 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.

* 2024 estimates include forecasts.

Related Articles:

• Truck Tonnage Rose 0.4% in December
• Truck Tonnage Rose 0.2% in November
• Truck Tonnage Fell 2.1% in October
• Truck Tonnage Fell 0.9% in September
• Truck Tonnage Rose 0.9% in August
• Truck Tonnage Rose 0.6% in July
  

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