The For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index erased a 3.7 percent drop in October by posting a 3.7 percent gain in November.

November’s boost marks the first time the Index — measured and produced monthly by the American Trucking Associations — has risen since July. 

“Sandy impacted both October’s and November’s tonnage readings,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “But it was still good to see tonnage snap back in November.” Costello said he expects a boost to flatbed tonnage from the rebuilding in the areas impacted by Sandy, but most of that won’t happen until the spring when the money starts flowing and the weather is conducive to building.