advertisement

---

In July, the Transportation Services Index (TSI) climbed 1.5 percent from June’s level to 98.8, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). However, the index fell 11.6 percent from July 2008’s level and declined to its lowest July point since 1998.

July’s Freight TSI of 95.5 rose 1.6 percent from June’s level — the first month-over-month increase since February and largest gain since January 2008.

The first Freight TSI rise in five months is a sign an economic recovery is beginning, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a prepared statement.

“However, despite this tangible sign of progress, we all know that we still have a long way to go,” he said.

Here’s one tangible sign: the Freight TSI plunged 13.5 percent compared with July 2008’s level, registering the largest July-over-July decline in the 20 years BTS has calculated the TSI.

Meanwhile, July’s Passenger TSI increased 1.2 percent from June’s level to 110.4. However, the index tumbled 5.9 percent on a year-over-year basis.

For more BTS data on the three indexes in July and through 2009’s first seven months, follow this link.