The average spot rate for reefer freight fell 4 cents to $1.98/mile the week ending July 16, still a penny higher than the national average in June. The van rate was $1.66/mile, also 4 cents higher than the June average. The national average flatbed rate gained 4 cents to $1.85/mile.
Vans—The number of van load posts advanced 3% and truck posts rose 38% as outbound van rates declined in major markets. The highest average outbound van rates by region:
—West: Los Angeles CA, $2.16/mile, down 8 cents
—Midwest: Chicago IL, $1.91/mile, down 2 cents
—South Central: Dallas TX, $1.58/mile, down 2 cents
—Southeast: Charlotte NC, $2.07/mile, down 5 cents
—Northeast: Allentown PA, $2.08/mile, down 2 cents
One bright spot was Memphis TN, where rates held steady at an average of $1.94/mile (up 1 cent). The Memphis-Columbus OH lane jumped 15 cents to $2.03/mile; that lane is associated with retail freight so this could be a sign of good things to come.
Reefers—The number of reefer load posts dropped 4% while truck posts increased 32% for the week. Again, load activity was below expectations.
Rates retreated in major regional markets in the Southeast and West. The average outbound rate from Los Angeles decreased 9 cents to $2.58/mile; Sacramento, Ontario, Fresno, and Twin Falls all had lower rates.
On the Mexican border, the average outbound rate from McAllen, Texas, gained 7 cents to $1.82/mile and edged up on most high-volume lanes. Nogales AZ, meanwhile, fell 15 cents per mile with Nogales-Los Angeles plunging 39 cents to $1.67/mile.
Flatbeds—Flatbed load availability added 18% and capacity increased 37%. National average flatbed rates recovered 4 cents to $1.89/mile, still 6 cents below the average rate for June.
Rates are derived from DAT RateView, which provides real-time reports on prevailing spot market and contract rates, as well as historical rate and capacity trends. All reported rates include fuel surcharges.
Get the latest rate trends at www.DAT.com/Trendlines.
