What the new federal data shows
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported on September 9 that the Freight Transportation Services Index fell 0.7% in July 2026 from June and 2.0% from July 2025. The seasonally adjusted index was 135.7, compared with a revised 136.6 in June and 138.5 one year earlier. BTS said July’s decline followed one month of growth.
Trucking contributed to the decline
BTS attributed the lower overall freight index to decreases in trucking, air freight and pipeline activity. Rail carloads, rail intermodal and water volumes increased. Because the index combines several for-hire transportation modes, the 0.7% decline should not be read as a truck-rate change or as a precise measure of freight in a particular region, equipment type or customer network.
Why the revised June number matters
BTS revised the June Freight TSI upward to 136.6 from the 134.9 reported previously. Monthly transportation statistics can change as additional data and updated seasonal factors become available. Fleets comparing reports should use the most recent series instead of building a trend from unrevised headlines.
Practical takeaway for fleets and owner-operators
Treat the softer July reading as a reason to tighten lane-level discipline, not to stop planning for growth. Compare revenue per total mile, loaded and empty miles, detention, fuel, maintenance and customer tender patterns in the lanes actually operated. Avoid adding equipment solely because of one strong rate or cutting useful capacity solely because of one national index.
What to watch next
The July index is a broad measure of domestic for-hire freight transportation and excludes private trucking, couriers, the U.S. Postal Service and international or coastal waterborne movements. BTS is scheduled to release the August 2026 index on October 14. Until then, carriers should combine this federal benchmark with current customer demand, load-board conditions and their own operating records.
U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics — July 2026 Freight TSI
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