ARLINGTON, VA — Truck tonnage dropped for the first time in three months in December, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

The group’s seasonally adjusted index fell for the first time since September, losing 5.7% month-over-month, but was up 5.9% over the same time the year before – a finish the ATA called very strong.

“Despite the decline in December, last year was a solid year for truck tonnage, especially during the second half of 2017,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “I remain optimistic for 2018 for a host of reasons, including a pick-up in factory activity, better housing construction, solid retail sales, and an expected shot in the arm from the new tax law.”

The ATA also revised its November monthly increase in the index down to a 2.1% gain from the previously reported 2.3% increase.