The American Trucking Associations' Truck Tonnage Index rose 3.9% in December after falling 3.6% in November. The December jump was the largest month-to-month increase in tonnage since January 2005.
The increase was the result of more shipments in the late fall season, says ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.
"As retailers sell more merchandise in January due to the proliferation of gift card giving (during the holidays), this trend is likely to continue in the years ahead."
The ATA calculates its tonnage index based on membership surveys.
