The Arlington, VA-based American Trucking Assocations' (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index increased 2.1% in August compared to July but was down 7.5% compared to August 2008. Nonetheless ATA chief economist Bob Costello claims the increase, which followed a similar rise the preceding month, was a positive sign for the industry.

"The gains in tonnage during July and August reflect a growing economy and less of an overhang in inventories," he says. Though Costello believes the overall trend in truck tonnage will continue upward in coming months, he expects the rate of increase to slow. "While I am optimistic that the worst is behind us, most economic indicators, including industrial output and household spending, suggest freight tonnage will exhibit moderate, and probably inconsistent, growth in the months ahead."

Orders for new heavy duty trucks showed a 5.2% increase in September compared to the same period last year, according to data from FTR Associates, a freight transportation forecasting firm based in Nashville, IN. Though the total volume of orders has risen for four consecutive months, the current jump marked the first year-over-year rise since June '08. The figure includes orders for the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as vehicles purchased for export to other continents.