Spot market freight volume rose 34% in March 2015 compared with February, which is typical for the season, according to the DAT North American Freight Index.
By comparison, March 2015 freight availability declined 28%. The spring freight season usually begins in late March, but a prolonged winter in 2014 led to unprecedented volume throughout the entire first quarter.
By equipment type, freight volume increased month-over-month: 34% for vans, 41% for flatbeds, and 20% for refrigerated (reefer) trailers. Truckload freight rates on the spot market rose seasonally for all equipment types: van rates climbed 2.5%, flatbeds added 2.8%, and reefers were up 1.7% over February totals.
Compared with the extraordinary market conditions of March 2014, year-over-year, freight volume by equipment type declined 19% for vans, 42% for flatbeds, and 1.3% for reefers. Rates trended up, however: van rates gained 2.5%, flatbeds were up 6.9%, and reefer rates rose 6.4%, compared to March 2014. Monthly average rates have advanced year-over-year for more than 20 consecutive months.