Truckload Freight and Rates Dip in February

Spot market freight availability declined for a second consecutive month in February, a seasonal pattern that mimics the first quarter of 2013 but at higher volume.

Month-over-month freight volume dipped 6.0 percent in February, however, volume was 37 percent lower.

Compared to January, freight volume by equipment type declined 3.9 percent for vans, 3.4 percent for flatbeds, and 18 percent for refrigerated (“reefer”) trailers in February. Truckload rates on the spot market drifted down 1.9 percent for vans, 3.2 percent for flatbeds, and 5.2 percent for reefers.

Compared to the extraordinary market environment of February 2014, freight volume by equipment type declined 34 percent for vans, 45 percent for flatbeds, and 15 percent for reefers. Line haul rates trended up, however, to compensate for declining fuel surcharges.

Van rates added 6.7 percent, reefer rates increased 7.7 percent, and flatbed rates rose 8.4 percent, year over year.

Source: DAT Solutions

Category: Featured, General Update