Mobile Menu

Business Environment Profiles - United States

Freight transportation services index

Published: 12 June 2025

Key Metrics

Freight transportation services index

Total (2025)

139 Index

Annualized Growth 2020-25

1.1 %

Definition of Freight transportation services index

The US freight transportation services index (TSI) measures the annual output of the US transportation sector. The index is composed of ton-miles of freight, or tons when ton-miles are not available, generated by for-hire trucking, railroad, inland waterway, pipeline and airfreight carriers. The TSI excludes international and coastal steamship activities, along with private trucking, courier services, and operations by the US Postal Service. The data is sourced from the Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The index is seasonally adjusted and its base year is 2000.

Analyze the wider world in which businesses operate

We measure the upstream and downstream ramifications on thousands of industries so businesses can monitor their external operating environment. Explore membership options today.

Purchase options

Included in an IBISWorld Membership

Our industry reports include 35+ pages of data, analysis and charts, including:

  • Industry Financial Ratios
    Industry Financial Ratios
  • Historical and Forecast Growth
    Historical and Forecast Growth
  • Industry Market Size
    Industry Market Size
  • Industry Major Players
    Industry Major Players
  • Profitability Analysis
    Profitability Analysis
  • SWOT Analysis
    SWOT Analysis
  • Industry Trends
    Industry Trends
  • Industry Operating Conditions
    Industry Operating Conditions

Recent Trends – Freight transportation services index

The Freight Transportation Services (TSI) Index is primarily driven by economic activity, as robust growth boosts demand for goods, increasing freight movement. Industrial production and consumer demand also impact freight volumes, with consumer spending patterns shaping seasonal fluctuations. Meanwhile, fuel prices alter operational costs, affecting freight rates and volumes. Infrastructure and technological advancements enhance efficiency, while regulatory frameworks and labor market conditions influence operational dynamics.

The Freight Transportation Services (TSI) Index has traditionally grown at a rate slightly below that of US GDP, driven by the economy's shift toward service demand over goods. Service industries, while requiring some equipment, inherently depend less on transporting physical goods, reducing the overall demand for freight services. Despite this, the index still mirrors economic trends, with significant fluctuations during financial crises and recoveries. For instance, a decline during the pandemic and a following recovery in 2021 paralleled trends in the index, although it stagnated between 2023 and 2024, labeled by some as a "freight recession." Inflation and high interest rates have been key factors restraining goods movement. Moreover, although consumer sentiment has improved, it remains well below pre-pandemic levels. In 2025, the Freight Transportation Services (TSI) Index is expected to see growth, albeit at a restrained pace. The tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico could present inflationary pressures, but might also lead to a boost in imports temporarily in the year, which has the potential to keep rates elevated longer than anticipated.

Show more

5-Year Outlook – Freight transportation services index

As the economy expands, demand for freight services is expected to grow. This growth will be furt...

Looking for IBISWorld Industry Reports?

Gain strategic insight and analysis on thousands of industries.

Trusted by More Than 10,000 Clients Around the World

  • IBISWorld client - VISA
  • IBISWorld client - ADP
  • IBISWorld client - Deloitte
  • IBISWorld client - AMEX
  • IBISWorld client - Bank of Montreal