The federal Transportation Services Index rose 0.7 percent in November to 127.6, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported.
That was the second consecutive monthly increase in the index that measures traffic in for-hire transportation services, including trucking. The November index was 6.7 percent higher than in November 2003.
The TSI for freight only, excluding passenger transportation, rose 1.0 percent in November to 128.9, the second consecutive monthly increase. The November freight index was 7 percent higher than in November 2003.
Besides for-hire trucking, the freight index includes rail, river and air cargo traffic as well as pipelines. Private trucking fleets owned by a single retailer, restaurant chain or manufacturer are not included.
