WASHINGTON — Trucking activity in the United States surged 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,” said Bob Costello, ATA chief economist. “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.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
