Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
February 18th, 2025
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
Truck Tonnage Dips for the Second Straight Month
Trucking activity in the U.S. experienced a decline in December, as reported by the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index. This is the second consecutive month of contraction.
The index for December was 111.3, down from 112.6 in November. With 2015 as the baseline (set at 100), the index was 3.2% lower than the same month a year ago, per the ATA. The raw, not seasonally adjusted index, which measures tonnage hauled without seasonal adjustments, as the ATA data shows, was 108.8 in December, representing a 0.9% decrease from November.
The ATA’s tonnage data is derived from surveys the association has been conducting with its members for decades. This figure is preliminary and may be adjusted in the final report, which is typically released around the 5th of each month
Commerce Blog
The trucking industry is set to undergo major legislative changes in 2025 with the goals of integrating cutting-edge technologies, improving road safety, and advancing sustainability. Both carriers and drivers will be impacted by these changes, which will create difficulties that call for strategic adjustment.
Read more for a summary of the main rules that will influence the trucking industry and practical advice on how to maintain compliance.
Cross-Border Trade: For the second straight year, Mexico is the U.S. top trading partner, with a total of $840 billion, per U.S. Census Bureau data. Not far behind was Canada at $761 billion in 2024.
Tariffs: At the beginning of this month, executive orders were signed introducing new tariffs. While some have been paused (can read more here), the 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports took effect on February 4th.
The President has announced his intention for new tariffs on all steel and aluminum tariffs and potentially other reciprocal tariffs to “match the tax rates other nation’s place on imports of American goods”, Freightwaves reports, but none have gone into effect as of yet.
Infrastructure: A stretch of Interstate 40 in North Carolina, affected by Hurricane Helene, is scheduled to reopen on March 1st. As reported by Trucker News, one lane will be open in each direction from Exit 20 to Exit 15 for non-Helene-related construction, as well as from Exit 7 to the state line, extending about five miles into Tennessee. The NCDOT confirms that this will be open to standard-sized trucks, but oversized loads will be prohibited.
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