Washington, D.C. — The American Trucking Association’s advanced seasonally adjusted For‑Hire Truck Tonnage Index recorded a 3 percent increase in February, the largest month‑over‑month gain in recent memory.

Truck tonnage is the industry’s yardstick for freight volume, and a rise signals that shippers are moving more goods across the country. January’s 0.1 percent decline had been a reminder of the harsh winter weather and the California wildfires that rattled the supply chain. The February rebound therefore marks a turning point for the freight market.

Bob Costello, the ATA’s chief economist, explained that the uptick followed a “modest decline in January, which wasn’t bad considering the harsh winter weather and California wildfires.” He added that the February gain was partly due to an early‑year surge in imports as shippers rushed to bring products into the U.S. before new tariffs took effect. Even after stripping out that import lift, the first two months of the year remain in the positive, Costello said, indicating that the freight recovery has indeed begun.

What This Means for Drivers

Owner‑operators can expect a higher volume of available loads as freight volume climbs, which may translate into more miles and higher earnings. CDL‑A holders who work OTR routes may find that the increased demand for long‑haul services will keep their trucks on the road longer, reducing idle time and improving fuel‑efficiency returns. Fleet managers will see a broader spread of cargo types, from consumer goods to industrial parts, giving them more flexibility to match capacity with demand and potentially negotiate better rates with shippers.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across the country are taking the uptick as a sign that the freight market is finally moving beyond the two‑year recession. Freight brokers report a steady rise in load requests, and many carriers are already adjusting their dispatch schedules to accommodate the growing volume. The ATA’s data suggests that trucking companies hiring are starting to see the benefits of a stronger freight pipeline.

Key Points

• February truck tonnage increased 3 percent, the biggest monthly jump in recent history.
• January’s 0.1 percent decline was largely due to severe winter weather and California wildfires.
• Early‑year imports accelerated before tariffs, contributing to the February lift.
• The first two months of 2026 remain positive, signaling the start of a freight recovery.

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