Spot truckload market rates end 2014 on solid footing

Freight availability on the spot truckload market was generally stable (up 0.8%) during the week ending January 3, 2015, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards. This figure reflects strong demand for truckload capacity given the time of year. The number of available trucks posted between Christmas and New Year’s Day fell 22% compared with the previous week, as more truckers than brokers appeared to take the week off. Some of the key metrics from DAT Trendlines for the week: •Rates stay steady—National average spot market rates were steady: $2.07 per mile for van freight, down 1 cent; $2.31 per mile for flatbed freight, up 1 cent; and $2.38 for refrigerated freight, up 2 cents. These rates include a fuel charge, which fell 1 cents as a national average. •Demand is up—The van load-to-truck ratio increased from 3.3 to an atypically high 4.3, meaning there were 4.3 van loads posted for every available van on DAT load boards the week ending January 3. The reefer load-to-truck ratio rose 37%, from 10.2 to 13.9, while the flatbed load-to-truck ratio gained another 24% for the week, from 18.5 to 22.9 loads per truck. •Fuel price tumbles—The national average fuel price dropped 7 cents (2.1%) to $3.14 per gallon.