Truck tonnage made slight rebound in May

June 27, 2008

Truck tonnage rose one-half percent in May, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which calls the increase "a positive step forward."

"The fact that tonnage increased on a month-to-month basis for the first time in four months, as well as achieving its largest year-over-year gain since February of this year, is quite positive," notes ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said.

However, high diesel fuel prices continue to place a significant burden on motor carriers.

"Rising fuel prices are a double-edged sword for the industry. Since trucks haul virtually all consumer goods at some point in the supply chain, the industry is significantly impacted both directly through high diesel prices and indirectly as consumers have less money to spend on truck-transported goods."