Spot truckload capacity gains; available loads retreat

The number of available loads on the spot truckload market decreased 2.4% and capacity increased 4.5% during the week ending April 25, 2015, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards. Spot van and flatbed rates continued to soften, while the average reefer rate was unchanged compared with the previous week. Nationally, the average van rate fell for the fourth straight week, dropping 2 cents to $1.87 per mile as capacity increased 5.7% and the number of available loads fell 7.4%. The average van load-to-truck ratio lost 12% to 2.6, meaning there were 2.6 available van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network.

The national average rate for flatbeds also slipped, dropping 1 cent to $2.19 per mile. This decline was in the linehaul rate; the fuel surcharge was unchanged from the previous week. Flatbed load availability edged down 0.7% the week ending April 25 while capacity gained 0.8%, which sent the flatbed load-to-truck ratio down 1.5% to 20.7 loads per truck. The national average rate for reefers stayed at $2.12 per mile, with both the average line-haul rate and the fuel surcharge unchanged. The number of available reefer loads fell 3.8% and capacity added 4.4%; the load-to-truck ratio was flat (down 0.5%) at 5.9 loads per truck. Load-to-truck ratios represent the number of loads posted for every truck available on DAT load boards. The load-to-truck ratio is a sensitive, real-time indicator of the balance between spot market demand and capacity. Changes in the ratio often signal impending changes in rates. 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. For complete national and regional reports on spot rates and demand, access www.dat.com/Trendlines.