Freight Demand & Research
BTS August freight index falls for a second month, reaching its lowest level since 2021
· Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
BTS reported on October 14 that its Freight Transportation Services Index fell 0.4% in August from revised July levels and 3.0% from a year earlier. The index reached 134.4, its lowest level since September 2021, reflecting weaker domestic for-hire freight activity.
Summary and practical context by RoadHouse Recruiting · Reviewed
August observations, not an October demand reading
BTS attributed the decline to trucking, rail carloads, intermodal and water transportation; air freight and pipelines increased. July's freight index was revised to 134.9 from 135.7. Some inputs are estimated and the series remains subject to revision.
Understanding the update
The measure covers domestic for-hire transportation and excludes private trucking, courier services, USPS and international or coastal waterborne movements. It is a volume indicator, not a freight-rate index.
What it means for drivers and carriers
Use the release as a lagging demand benchmark alongside current lane tenders and customer orders, not as evidence that today's spot prices must fall.
Questions to consider
- Are current customer orders moving differently from the lagged national freight index?
Read the original reporting
This page provides an original summary and practical commentary. The linked source contains the full reporting. Older stories reflect information available on their published dates.
Read the source at Bureau of Transportation Statistics ↗ (opens in a new tab)