Spot truckload freight volume dips 5.3% in September on delayed seasonal decline

After a summer of strong, steady activity, spot market truckload freight volume showed a seasonal decline, dipping 5.3% in September compared to August, according to the DAT North American Freight Index.

Year-over-year, however, the Index was up 22% and reached the highest level recorded for the month of September since the Index was established in 1996.

Typically, third-quarter freight volume begins to drop in July, followed by mixed trends in August and September. This year, Q3 volume was up 13% compared to the same period in 2012. Severe weather earlier in the year postponed agricultural and construction seasons and related freight movements, producing elevated volumes throughout Q3.

Month-over-month, load availability declined 1.6% for vans and 4.6% for flatbeds in September but increased 1.1% for refrigerated (“reefer”) freight. Van rates rose 0.7% and reefer rates gained 1.9% while flatbed rates declined 8.1% compared to August.

Year-over-year, van freight volume rose 12%, flatbed loads increased 43%, and freight designated for reefers added 30%. Van rates increased 3.8%, reefer rates rose 4.5%, and flatbed rates declined 8.1% compared to September 2012.

Category: General Update