ATA Tonnage Index rises slightly in May

Via Logistics Management:

This marks the first tonnage increase on a month-to-to-month basis since January, according to the ATA

May’s seasonally-adjusted index was 114.8 (2000=100), and the not seasonally-adjusted index was up 1.1 percent to 118.3. The ATA said that the seasonally-adjusted index was up 3.3 percent compared to May 2007, representing the seventh straight year-over-year monthly increase. April’s year-over-year gain was 2.2 percent, stated the ATA.

Even though tonnage showed positive growth, it is clear that the trucking industry continues to feel the effects of increasing diesel prices, slow consumer spending and retailer performance, and general economic malaise.

As consumers spend less, retail performance suffers and companies bring in less product. Not to mention that as trucking becomes more expensive some companies will look to cheaper modes of transit, such as intermodal rail. Still, the fact that May was a positive month, albeit slightly, is a good sign for the trucking industry.