August trucking volumes show the industry may have recovered after months of low freight demand, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Trucks moved more freight in August than previous months, with the seasonally-adjusted truck tonnage index increasing 5.7 percent from July to 141.8 percent, according to the American Trucking Association.
High retail inventories and a weak manufacturing sector have fueled the trucking slump, the report states.
Several industry measures showed trucks moved more freight in August, though not all fleets took part in the rebound.
"With moderate economic growth forecasted, truck freight will improve as progress is made with the inventory overhang," said Bob Costello, chief economist of the ATA.
However, Mr. Costello said trucking companies should not assume the worst is over after one month of good numbers. He expects the freight business to remain volatile until excess inventories filter through North American retail and manufacturing supply chains, according to the report.
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