The chart above shows the percent change in U.S. traffic volume through November (from the same month in the previous year), in a report released recently by the Federal Highway Administration (data and report here). After falling for 17 consecutive months starting in November 2007 and continuing through March 2009, traffic volume has increased in five out of the last six months (see chart above). The cumulative six-month June-November increase of 7.8% is the largest 6-month increase since the 11.6% increase through July 2004, more than five years ago.

The chart below displays traffic volume as a moving 12-month total, showing a similar pattern to the percentage monthly increase above. After falling for 16 straight months from December 2007 to March 2009, the moving 12-month total has increased six out of the last eight months, and the June-November increase marks the largest 6-month increase in traffic volume (12-month total) since the summer of 2007.


In a related report, “the American Trucking Associations’ Truck Tonnage Index (seasonally adjusted) increased 2.7% in November, following a 0.2% contraction in October. The latest gain boosted the index from 103.6 (2000=100) in October to 106.4, its highest level in a year (see chart below). Compared with November 2008, SA tonnage fell 3.5 percent, which was the best year-over-year showing in twelve months. In October, the index was down 5.2 percent from a year earlier.”


MP: Two more positive signs that a V-shaped economic recovery is underway.

Go to Source