ARLINGTON, VA – The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 0.2 percent in March, and rose 2.7 percent year-over-year – the smallest year-over-year increase since December 2009.

The not seasonally adjusted index was 9.1 percent above the previous month, ATA reported.

“March tonnage, and the first quarter overall, was reflective of an economy that is growing, but growing moderately,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “The pace of freight definitely slowed from the torrid pace in late 2011.

“Most economic indicators still look good, which will continue to support tonnage going forward,” he continued. Costello repeated the message that industry shouldn’t be expecting the rate of growth to mirror the last couple of years, when tonnage grew 5.8 percent in both 2010 and 2011. “Expect tonnage overall this year to be up at a more moderate rate, perhaps less than 3 percent, which is more in-line with normal growth.”

You can hear Costello explain more in the video below.