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TransCore’s DAT North American Freight Index for July increased 13% from the same month last year and increased from June for the first time since the index was established in 1996.

The largest trucking companies in the United States and Canada are hauling more freight than ever, but the slow pace of economic growth and the costs associated with increased government regulation is making it more difficult for many carriers to add capacity and invest in new equipment.

The Cass Freight Index, which measures shipment activity in trucking and other transport modes, declined 1.5% in June from a year ago.

North Carolina lawmakers gave final approval to Gov. Pat McCrory’s transportation reform bill, a measure that changes how road funding money is distributed in the state.

A Congressional panel established to identify ways to improve U.S. freight transportation efficiency visited FedEx Corp. facilities and the Port of Memphis, Tenn., late last week, meeting with representatives of the region’s freight transportation community.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — A U.S. Department of Transportation official said although progress has been made toward developing a national freight plan, finding funding remains a hurdle.

TransCore’s DAT North American Freight Index for May declined from the same month last year, which had been a record high month, but rose from April, the company said Monday.