Truck tonnage in the US dropped 0.9% in September, marking the third consecutive month-to-month drop, according to the most recent American Trucking Associations (ATA) data.

September tonnage was the lowest recorded since October, 2007. Third quarter tonnage was down 1.2% compared to the second quarter, the ATA says. September's tonnage was up 0.8% compared to last September.

ATA chief economist Bob Costello predicted the US will enter a recession during the third quarter that will last through the first quarter of 2009.

'I anticipate truck freight volumes to continue to fall before they improve,' said Costello. 'It is a tough freight market, and there is nothing on the horizon that says this will change anytime soon.'