Truck freight picked up in September. The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 0.8% for the month, after a small 0.2% dip in August.
According to The Trucker, the index reached 114 in September, up from 113.1 in August. It was also flat compared to September 2025, which is an improvement over August, when tonnage was down 1.3% year over year.
What the tonnage index tells us
The ATA tonnage index is one of the most watched numbers in trucking. It tracks how much freight for-hire carriers are hauling by weight, and it leans mostly toward contract freight, not the spot market.
That makes it a useful way to see the general direction of the freight market, even if it doesn’t tell the whole story on its own.
A steady year overall
Freight has moved up and down in 2026, but the bigger picture is fairly stable. Year to date, tonnage is up 0.9% compared to the same period last year, helped by strong months from February through April.
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said tonnage finished the quarter better than it started, even though July and August were softer. He also pointed out that capacity is still shrinking, which is creating what he called “a better market for motor carriers.”
The not seasonally adjusted index, which shows the raw amount of freight hauled, came in at 114.8 in September, slightly below August. That’s normal for this time of year, as August usually has more working days and heavier seasonal volume.
What this means for shippers and carriers
For carriers, a firmer market can mean better rates and more stable lanes, especially as capacity keeps tightening.
For shippers, it’s a reminder to plan ahead. When fewer trucks are available, it pays to lock in reliable partners and give carriers as much notice as possible on upcoming loads.
At CW Carriers, we watch reports like this every month because they help us understand where the market is heading and how to best support both our customers and carrier partners. September’s numbers point to a market that’s finding its footing as the year heads into the final quarter.
