Spot truckload rates climb, fueled by higher demand
National average truckload van and flatbed rates each rose a penny on increased demand for capacity during the week ending May 28, 2016, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.
An 8.5% increase in the total number of available spot loads and higher diesel prices also played key roles in the spot rate picture.
The number of posted reefer loads climbed 19% as available capacity declined 5% compared with the previous week. The result was a 4.1 reefer load-to-truck ratio, a 25% gain.
The number of available van loads jumped 16% while the number of vans was unchanged for the week ending May 28. The van load-to-truck ratio gained 16% to 1.9 loads per truck.
At $1.54 per mile, the national average van rate rose 1 cent. Rates were up sharply on many high-volume lanes, however. By region, leading markets for average outbound spot rates include:
•West—Los Angeles CA, $2.01/mile, up 8 cents
•Midwest—Chicago IL, $1.74/mile, up 4 cents
•South Central—Dallas TX, $1.50/mile, up 2 cents
•Southeast—Charlotte NC, $1.82/mile, up 3 cents
•Northeast—Allentown PA, $1.80/mile, up 2 cents
Flatbed load availability dipped 0.5% while capacity increased 8% the week ending May 28. That led to an 8% decrease in the flatbed load-to-truck ratio at 14.2 loads per truck. The national average flatbed rate gained 1 cent to $1.92 per mile.
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 are 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.