The number of available loads on the spot truckload market fell 2.7% during the week ending June 18, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards. A 9.7% increase in capacity did little to move spot rates as a national average.
The van rate was unchanged at $1.61/mile compared to the previous week. The national average reefer rate gained 2 cents to $1.96/mile, including a 1-cent rise in the fuel surcharge, and the flatbed rate was $1.95/mile, up 2 cents due to a seasonal increase in demand.
VANS: The van load-to-truck ratio hit its second highest mark of the year, at 2.7 loads per truck, and that was a 12% decrease compared to the previous week.
Van markets with the highest average outbound rates:
West: Los Angeles, $2.13/mile, up 5 cents
Midwest: Chicago, $1.84/mile, down a penny
South Central: Houston, $1.60/mile, up 2 cents
Southeast: Charlotte, N.C., $2.05/mile, up 10 cents
Northeast: Allentown, Pa., $1.92/mile, up 1 cent
The high number of van loads heading to the Northeast gave the region trucks to spare and helped keep rates down on key lanes. One example: Buffalo to Allentown, Pa., dropped 17 cents to $2.28/mile. Buffalo outbound rates in general took a big hit despite strong volumes.
REEFERS: While reefer rates and volumes were flat nationwide, California is cooking. Three of the top five markets for reefer load posts were Los Angeles (No. 2); Fresno (4); and Ontario (5). Two of the better-paying reefer lanes in the country were out of Sacramento:
Sacramento to Portland, $2.97/mile, up 28 cents
Sacramento to Salt Lake City, $2.73/mile, up 19 cents
FLATBEDS: Flatbed load availability dropped 1.8% following a spike the previous week. Capacity added 9.7%, which pushed the flatbed load-to-truck ratio to 18.2 loads per truck. Several markets and lanes made big gains:
Raleigh, N.C.: $2.50/mile, up 17 cents.
Harrisburg, Pa.: $3.03/mile, a 22-cent rise
Rock Island, Ill.: $2.23/mile, up 11 cents
Rates are derived from DAT RateView, which provides real-time reports on prevailing spot market and contract rates, as well as historical rate and capacity trends. All reported rates include fuel surcharges.
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