Reefer load posts fell 2% and truck posts were up less than 1% the week ending February 27. As a result, the load-to-truck ratio slid 2%, from 2.9 to 2.8 loads per truck, while the national average reefer rate dropped 5 cents to $1.79 per mile.
Flatbed load volume climbed again, up 17%, while available capacity decreased 2%. That yielded a 19% advance in the national load-to-truck ratio, up from 10.6 to 12.6 loads per truck. The national average flatbed rate gave up 3 cents to $1.80 per mile the week ending February 27.
Month over month, spot market rates retreated in February as the total number of posted loads fell 2.4% and available capacity rose 12% versus January. Rates are expected to rebound seasonally in March.
Compared with the previous week, the national average diesel price gained 1 cent to $1.99 per gallon.
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.
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, go to www.dat.com/Trendlines.
