The number of available trucks on the spot truckload market jumped 4.2% and the number of posted loads tumbled 4.1% during the week ending November 14, 2015, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.
Offsetting capacity gain and decline in available loads helped push national average spot market rates down 2 cents for van, refrigerated, and flatbed freight. This comes at a time when shippers typically have holiday goods to move.
For refrigerated freight, the national average spot rate dropped to $1.92 per mile, although outbound rates rose in major markets including Elizabeth NJ (up 10 cents to $1.76) and McAllen TX (up 2 cents to $1.68). The number of available reefer loads climbed 6.4% while truck capacity was up just 1.9%, which sent the load-to-truck ratio up 4.4% to 4.1 loads per truck.
Flatbed load availability sunk 16.7% against a gain of 8.9% in truck posts. The national flatbed load-to-truck ratio gave up 23.5% to 6.2 loads per truck and the national average flatbed rate dropped to $1.95 per mile.
The national average price of diesel fell 2 cents to $2.48 per gallon the week ending November 14. All reported rates include fuel surcharges.
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. 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.
For complete national and regional reports on spot rates and demand, see www.dat.com/Trendlines.
