Truck tonnage grew by nearly 1% in April, the last month for which tonnage data is currently available, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
Tonnage has grown a total of 6.5% over the last seven months. Compared with April 2009, "tonnage surged 9.4%, which was the fifth consecutive year-over-year gain and the largest increase since January 2005."
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello says the latest tonnage report indicates economic recovery. "Truck tonnage volumes continue to improve at a solid, sustainable rate. Tonnage is being boosted by robust manufacturing output and stronger retail sales."
