Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024:
Truck tonnage flat from June to July
The American Trucking Associations’ For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index held mostly flat in July, increasing just 0.3% from June. In July, the index equaled 113.7 (2015=100) compared with 113.3 in June.
ATA's Truck Tonnage Index continued its up-and-down cycle in July with a slight increase in tonnage hauled over June.ATA
“While July wasn’t a strong month, we see continued evidence that the truck freight market is likely turning a corner, albeit slowly,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Some of July’s small gain was likely due to strong import activity, especially at West Coast seaports. Decent retail sales and factory output growing slightly from a year earlier also helped truck tonnage last month.”
Compared with July 2023, the index decreased 0.9%. In June, the index was down 0.6% from a year earlier.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 116.7 in July, 3.4% above June. ATA’s For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index is dominated by contract freight as opposed to traditional spot market freight.
ATA names new MSC leader
Dan Hilton
“Movers play an indispensable role in facilitating millions of relocations every year so that Americans can embark on their next chapter in life, be closer to loved ones, and pursue new career opportunities,” Hilton said. “The dedicated men and women of the moving industry display truly extraordinary feats of hard work and logistical prowess on a daily basis, and it is an honor to spearhead the fight to represent their interests.”
Hilton noted the moving industry has a number of issues to address, including “shortcomings with the Global Household Goods Contract, to cracking down on rogue movers, to protecting independent contractors.”
“Dan has wide-ranging expertise both on and off Capitol Hill,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “His familiarity with the inner workings of Congress and his proven ability to mobilize coalitions to shape good public policy are invaluable assets that will allow us to advance a pro-mover agenda in the nation’s capital and from coast to coast.”
MSC is currently gearing up for its annual Call on Washington, scheduled this year for Sept. 10-12. The event will bring together industry experts in moving and storage to speak on important issues in committee meetings as well as in meetings with members of Congress.
