Transportation Services Index sets record in May

The U.S. economic indicator measuring the total output of for-hire transportation industries rose to its highest level in 14 years in May 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Transportation Services Index measures the movement of freight and passengers. An increase in the index means more goods and people are traveling the nation's infrastructure network. According to the U.S. DOT, the index will help to "understand the relationship of transportation to long-term changes in the economy."

The TSI reached 124.3 in May 2004, increasing 8.5% above the May 2003 index level. This was the largest single increase in the index's history, which means the volume of people and goods on the nation's infrastructure network is at its highest level in the 14 years covered by the index.