Truckload Spot Rates Slip

Average spot truckload rates dipped during the week ending June 20 but, according to DAT Solutions, “remain well above the averages for May.”

The number of van load posts declined 13% and available van capacity increased 3.2% last week, driving the van load-to-truck ratio down 15% to 2.0 loads per truck, meaning there were 2.0 available van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network.

Van rates responded by declining 2 cents to $1.88 per mile, the first change since a 5-cent increase during the first week of June. Average outbound rates rose in several key markets including Los Angeles, up 5 cents to $2.15 per mile, and Columbus, up 4 cents to $1.85 a mile.

Amid shifting harvest activity, demand for reefers slipped 5.4% and capacity added 2.6% as the reefer load-to-truck ratio fell 7.8% to 5.0. The national average rate for reefers fell 1 cent to $2.22 per mile, DAT reported.

Rates continue to tumble in Southern Florida—the average reefer rate out of Miami dropped 21 cents last week—but jumped in key California markets.

Flatbed load availability dropped 13% last week while flatbed capacity added 13%. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio declined 23% to 20.6, which still indicates strong demand. The national average rate for flatbeds slid 1 cent to $2.19 per mile.

Category: Featured, General Update