Refrigerated van rates rose 3.3% on the spot market nationwide in the seven days ending August 17, 2011, according to TransCore’s Truckload Rate Index.
The week-over-week increase in reefer rates followed an increase in reefer load volume on the company’s DAT Network of load boards. Reefer rates and freight volume increased in produce markets across the United States, signaling the potential for bumper fruit and vegetable crops that should continue to drive freight activity through mid-September. The only declining markets include southern Florida and southern Texas, where severe heat and a prolonged drought have reduced produce yields.
Dry van rates remained stable week-over-week, despite a 5.7% dip in load volume. Rates are adhering to seasonal trends with a slow decline after June’s peak, followed by week-over-week stability, according to Truckload Rate Index. Van rates are expected to pick up with upcoming seasonal demand for consumer goods, plus a boost in produce-growing regions due to crops that do not require temperature-controlled equipment.
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