The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) said its seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index decreased 0.9% in April, marking the third consecutive monthly reduction. ATA said this corresponds to anecdotal reports from its members that tonnage was “mediocre” in March and April.

Compared to April 2004, tonnage fell 0.3%, marking the first year-over-year decrease since November 2001. ATA noted that freight demand was unusually robust last April, however.

On a positive note, year-to-date tonnage increased 3.9% compared with the same period last year.

“The economy has decelerated some from last year, but this year has still been good in terms of growth and demand,” said ATA chief economist Bob Costello. “There continues to be a favorable supply-demand market and we expect to see a strong fall freight season.”