April Freight Volumes Maintain Peak 2022 Levels Despite Flat Tonnage

Key Details The ATA's For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index remained flat in April at 117.8, following a 1% increase in March. Despite the pause, the index is up 3.5% year over year and has climbed 4.7% since the end of 2025, marking the strongest performance since fall 2022. Why It Matters ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello emphasized that April's steady performance is significant given the sustained growth trajectory. Through the first four months of 2026, tonnage is up 2.6% compared to the same period last year, indicating resilient freight demand despite economic headwinds. Industry Impact Trucking continues to represent 72.7% of all domestic freight tonnage, with the sector hauling 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2024 and generating $906 billion in revenue. The tonnage index serves as a key economic indicator based on surveys of ATA member carriers. Market Signals Trailer orders jumped 126% year over year in April, rising 3% from March and signaling stronger-than-expected demand. However, spot and contract rate increases were driven primarily by higher fuel costs rather than freight demand strength.