The average spot truckload rate for refrigerated freight surged 5 cents to $2.02/mile during the week ending July 9 and topped $2 for the first time since October 2015, reported DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.
The national average van rate was $1.70/mile, up 8 cents compared to the previous week, while the flatbed rate dropped 10 cents to $1.85/mile.
The number of available loads of all types fell 19% and truck posts were down 22% compared to the previous week; declines of 20% are expected during a four-day workweek.
Shipper demand for trucks was steady. The refrigerated load-to-truck ratio was 6.5, up 1% compared to last week, meaning there were 6.5 loads available for every truck posted on DAT load boards. The van ratio was 3.5, the highest ratio yet this year, up 6%. The flatbed ratio fell 1% to 15.6.
Reefer Indicators
This is still a transition period for produce, with the focus shifting north, the DAT report notes.
The average Chicago outbound rate was up 6 cents to $2.12/mile, and load counts there were down less than expected for a 4-day workweek. Atlanta ($2.37/mile, down 11 cents) and Lakeland, Fla. ($1.56/mile, down 12 cents), both fell.
Reefer rates and volumes continue to decline in Arizona and Texas markets on the Mexican border. Example: McAllen, Texas, fell 6 cents to $1.75/mile.
Van Rates Jump
