The number of available loads on the spot truckload freight market rose 4% while van load volumes on the top 100 lanes hit an all-time high during the week ending September 23, 2017, said DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.
The number of available trucks increased 5%, but load-to-truck ratios remained elevated:
•Reefers—12.2 loads per truck, up 3%
•Vans—6.4 available loads per truck, down 3%
•Flatbeds—43.2 loads per truck, up 5%
National average spot TL rates made gains and set new two-year highs:
•Reefers—$2.18/mile, up 3 cents
•Vans—$1.94/mile, up 1 cent
•Flatbeds—$2.25/mile, up 1 cent
Nationally, van load posts were up 4%. Rates rose on 66 of the top 100 van lanes, and the national average van rate is 16 cents higher than it was for the month of August.
Regionally, van volume soared 52% out of Atlanta GA due to an abundance of emergency freight headed to Florida and pent-up demand from delayed shipments due to Hurricane Irma. Despite higher demand for trucks, the average outbound van rate from Atlanta actually declined 9 cents ($2.49/mile). Rates out of Texas markets were also down but outbound averages in both Dallas ($1.78/mile) and Houston ($1.72/mile) were higher than before Hurricane Harvey hit almost five weeks ago.
Spot reefer load posts climbed 6% and truck posts gained 3% the week ending September 23. Flatbed load posts advanced 4% while truck posts fell 1%.
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.
For the latest spot market load availability and rate information, visit www.dat.com/industry-trends/trendlines.
