Spot Truckload Volumes Hit 5-Year High in October

Shippers were active in advance of the holidays

More spot truckload shipments moved in October than in any month since January 2015, according to the DAT Truckload Volume Index.

“Shippers were active in advance of the holidays,” said Peggy Dorf, Market Analyst with DAT Solutions. “And the low rates are effectively attracting more volume from contract carriers to spot transportation providers, especially during the busy season.”

Spot van volume rose 7.3% in October, but with plenty of capacity available, national average spot van, refrigerated, and flatbed rates fell compared to September averages.

The van rate averaged $1.80 per mile in October, including a fuel surcharge; that’s 5 cents lower than the September average and 28 cents below the October 2018 average. However, with holiday freight beginning to move, a rush of demand for trucks in the final few days of the month led to stronger pricing for carriers leading into November.

The DAT Truckload Volume Index is produced by DAT Solutions, which operates the industry’s largest electronic marketplace for truckload freight. The Index reflects changes in the actual number of loads moved each month.

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