ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is predicting that trucking will increase its share of the US freight pool and continue to dominate domestic freight movement well into the next decade.

In its latest report, US Freight Transportation Forecast to2018, the ATA outlined there will be growth in all modes, but an even greater role for trucking in the years ahead.

“We’re an important part of the quality of life in this country,” said ATA president and CEO Bill Graves. “The United States achieved economic greatness with the help of a state-of-the-art transportation system. And trucks will continue to lead the freight landscape.”

The report suggests trucks will increase their share of the total US tonnage from 69% in 2006 to 69.7% in 2012 and 70% by 2018. This is attributed to above-average growth in key truck commodities and the flexibility and on-time deliveries associated with the mode.

Rail intermodal and air freight will also climb, according to the report, however neither mode will enjoy more than 2% of total tonnage by 2018. Rail tonnage will edge up to 14.7% in the US, from 14.6% in 2006.

The independently-prepared report also analyzes the energy sector and provides projections for future crude oil prices. It’s estimated the trucking industry will shell out more than US$110 billion for diesel in 2007. The report can be purchased at www.truckline.com/store.