Transportation Services Index inched up in September

The Transportation Services Index (TSI) in September reached 116.4, up 0.6 percent from August's level and 3.6 percent from September 2012's mark, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

The Freight TSI of 115.8 — an all-time high measurement of freight shipments in September — ratcheted up 0.8 percent on a month-over-month basis and climbed 4.3 percent on a year-over-year basis. The gain was driven by increases in all modes, except rail carloads, BTS officials said in a press release.

The Passenger TSI of 118.0 was unchanged from August's mark, but rose 1.7 percent versus September 2012's level.

In the third quarter, the TSI increased 1.1 percent, Freight TSI rose 1.5 percent and Passenger TSI inched up 0.1 percent.