U.S. freight levels hit reverse in April

U.S. freight levels hit the brakes in April, declining 1.1 percent compared with the previous month, according to new data from the American Trucking Associations.

The ATA increased its seasonally adjusted numbers for March, saying levels actually increased 0.6 percent, compared with the previously disclosed 0.2 percent increase.

The ATA’s index of for-hire truck tonnage now stands at 118.7, down from March’s 120. The year 2000 equals 100 on the index.

“While April’s decrease was a little disappointing, the March gain turned out to be stronger than originally thought,” Bob Costello, ATA’s chief economist, said in a release. “The ups and downs so far this year are similar to other economic indicators. While just one month, the (April) decrease also matches with an economy that is likely to grow slightly slower in the second quarter than in the first quarter.”  Full Story...........