Nationally, the average reefer rate was unchanged at $1.87 a mile despite a seasonal advance in demand.
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.
