Trucking industry analysts have voiced repeated assurances that the economy is getting better. Even improvements, though slight, are regarded as the slow but steady trend to recovery. But a recent CBS News Poll indicates that not all Americans feel so optimistic. Their outlook, according to the data, shows 34 percent believe things are getting worse. The housing market has fallen into the summer months, and banks and lending institutions continue to be tight with credit. Such a picture has prompted financial analysts to predict another stimulus program by the September Federal Reserve Meeting. That is, of course, unless the economy sees major improvement.

While the American Trucking Assns. (ATA) reported a rise in its for-hire truck tonnage index in July, that’s been one of the few economic highlights this week as a new CBS News Poll reports Americans are becoming more pessimistic about the economy.

The poll, which surveyed 1,082 adults by telephone from Aug. 20-24, found that 34% of Americans believe the economy is getting worse. That number is up from 24% last month. More importantly, only 20% believe the economy is getting better.

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