January is typically slow in the spot truckload freight market, and so far this year fits the pattern.
Load volume and average truckload rates drifted downward during the week ending January 31, 2015, reports DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards. The number of loads posted on DAT boards fell 6.1% and the number of trucks posted increased 0.1% compared with the previous week.
Some key metrics from DAT Trendlines for the week:
•Stormy weather, seasonal norms—The national average van rate retreated 2 cents to $1.94 per mile (the linehaul portion of the rate slipped 1 cent and the average fuel surcharge lost 1 cent), in line with seasonal norms.
The first big winter storm of 2015 was a test for supply chain managers and carriers that added equipment, hired more operational employees, and improved procedures and infrastructure after 2014’s transportation fiasco.