U.S. freight tonnage gains shift into low gear, American Trucking Associations says

U.S. freight levels inched forward in March, increasing 0.2 percent compared with February and hinting at a slower growth pace this year, according to new data from the American Trucking Associations.

That compares with a 0.5 percent increase in February, seasonally adjusted.

The ATA’s index of for-hire truck tonnage now stands at 119.5, up from 119.3 in February. The year 2000 equals 100 on the index.

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

Costello said economic indicators show tonnage increasing in the future, but not at the growth pace of the past two years (5.8 percent each). He estimates an average growth rate of 3 percent.  Full Story.........