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ATA: tonnage slipped in February

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) said its for-hire truck tonnage index slipped 0.1% in February following a 2.9% increase in January, with the index down 2.8% on a year-over-year basis when compared to February 2016.

However, year-to-date when compared with the same two months in 2016, the index is only off 0.1%, noted Bob Costello, ATA's chief economist, in a statement.

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Truck Tonnage Drops Slightly After Strong January

Source: ATA

The American Trucking Association's advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index declined slightly in February following a solid increase the month before.

In February, the Truck Tonnage Index declined 0.1% to a reading of 138.7, down from 138.9 in January. It was also down compared to last February when the Truck Tonnage Index hit its all-time high of 142.7, a decrease of 2.8%.

“February's numbers, especially the year-over-year drop, might surprise some as several other economic indicators were positive in February,” said Bob Costello, ATA chief economist. “However, I'm not worried about the decline from February last year as it was really due to very difficult comparisons more than anything else: February 2016 was abnormally strong."

Without seasonal adjustment, the February Truck Tonnage Index equaled 125.5, which was down 4.6% from January's 131.7. January's reading saw both monthly and yearly increases by comparison.

“Looking ahead, signs remain mostly positive for truck tonnage, including lower inventory levels, better manufacturing activity, solid housing starts, good consumer spending, as well as an increase in the oil rig count – all of which are drivers of freight volumes,” said Costello.

Analysis: Freight Rate Thaw May Be in the Works

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TruckRight Driver-Recruiting Tool Integrates with TMW Suite

Screenshot via TruckRight

TMW Systems has integrated its TMW Suite transportation management solution with the TruckRight driver recruiting and retention system.

Through the integration, driver data created or modified within the TruckRight portal is automatically pushed to a driver profile within the TMW Suite solution. This allows carriers, brokers and 3PL users of TMW Suite to access updated driver names, license numbers, contact information and other data without needing to re-enter information.

TMW Suite allows users to integrate and control all operational functions and services associated with the transportation process. It is designed to be scalable to the needs of non-asset based businesses as well as companies operating thousands of pieces of equipment.

TruckRight will have a booth at this year's Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., to showcase its driver recruiting tools. The show takes place from March 23-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Related: TMW Suite, TruckMate TMS Now Integrate With 123Loadboard

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Triangle Tire USA Names Phillips New VP of Sales

Rick Phillips Photo: Triangle Tire USA

Rick Phillips, a commercial tire industry veteran sales executive, has joined Triangle Tire as vice president of sales, effective April 1.

Phillips has nearly 40 years of experience in the tire industry and has an established reputation for building and directing effective sales teams, according to Triangle Tire. Triangle Tire offers a range of medium-duty radial truck tires for long haul, regional, and on/off highway applications.

“We are very pleased to welcome Rick to the Triangle Tire team,” said Manny Cicero, CEO of Triangle Tire USA. “He's a proven sales leader who has earned widespread respect in the tire and trucking industries. His expertise in the trucking industry will be particularly important as we work with Triangle dealers to supply fleets and owner-operators with high-quality products that deliver a very competitive cost per mile.”

Phillips most recent held the position of vice president of sales for Yokohama Tire Corporation. He joined Yokohama in 1999 as a territory sales manager and held a number of sales management positions before being appointed to head sales. Prior to that, Phillips held sales positions at Joe Esco Tire Corporation, including corporate sales manager.

Triangle Tire USA is a subsidiary of Triangle Tyre, China's largest privately owned tire manufacturer. The company established its U.S. headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., in 2016.

Related: Chinese Tiremaker Enters U.S. Truck-Tire Market

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