Lower Spot Van and Reefer Rates

Demand for truckload capacity increased and national average rates on the spot truckload market remained solid during the week ending June 27, reports DAT Solutions.

The national average spot van rate dipped 1 cent to $1.89 per mile (including surcharge). DAT said the number of posted van loads jumped 6.4% and truck posts declined 4.6% last week, driving the load-to-truck ratio up 11.6% to 2.3. That means there were 2.3 available van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network.

The national average refrigerated freight rate also fell 1 cent to $2.21 per mile despite rates recovering in Florida and Central California. Demand for available reefers surged 15% and available capacity slipped 4.6%, boosting the national average load-to-truck ratio by 21%.

The ratio jumped from 5.0 to 6.1 loads per truck due partly to increased demand in California. DAT also indicated that van and reefer rates typically rise during the first week of July as shippers close the month and the quarter, and due to increased food deliveries for the Independence Day holiday.

The national average rate for flatbeds was unchanged at $2.19 per mile despite declining demand: flatbed load availability fell 6.9% last week and truck capacity added 1.1%. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio fell 7.9% to 19.0.

Category: Featured, General Update