More Trucks, Fewer Loads, Rates Steady

Van, refrigerated, and flatbed capacity on DAT load boards expanded 3.6% while available freight slipped 5.0% during the week ending Oct. 11.

Nationally, truckload spot market rates remained stable compared to the previous week. The average van rate was unchanged at $2.03 per mile (including fuel surcharge), while the average rate for refrigerated freight rose 1 cent to $2.29 per mile and the flatbed rate lost 2 cents to $2.40 per mile.

In key markets, spot van rates slipped but stayed strong out of Los Angeles ($2.24 per mile); Columbus, Ohio ($2.33 per mile); Memphis ($2.41 per mile); and Buffalo ($2.33 per mile).

Looking at market demand, available van freight declined 5% while posted capacity increased 3.4%. The resulting van load-to-truck ratio was 3.1, meaning there were 3.1 van loads posted for every van available on DAT load boards.

Reefer freight availability slipped 9.0% and capacity was up 3.4%, producing a reefer load-to-truck ratio of 8.7. Flatbed capacity added 4.7% and load availability declined 2.5%. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio is now 25.9 loads per truck.

 

Category: Featured, General Update