A strong spring for trucking activity slowed in May, with activity down 2% in May, the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) reported last week in its advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.
“After a total gain of 4.7% during the first three months of the year, tonnage fell a total of 2.9% during the last two months,” says ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Despite the recent decreases, the index increased from year-earlier levels for the sixth straight month, which is pretty good considering the bulk of freight drivers, like manufacturing and construction, remain lackluster.”
In May, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 114.4. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, increased 0.6% from the same month in 2025 — down from April’s 2.5% increase. During the first five months of the year, ATA says trucking tonnage was up 2% from the same period last year. In 2025, the tonnage index was flat compared to the 2024 average.
ATA also reported its April reading was revised down from what was first reported last month. The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 114.8 in May, 0.8% below April’s reading of 115.7.
