Jun 18 – 24 – Although severe weather disrupted freight movements in the South, demand remains strong nationally, and rates continue to hover at 2-year highs. National average van rates held steady for the third week in a row, while reefers gained 1¢ per mile, and flatbed rates dipped 1¢. Demand and rates may rise even higher this week, in the run-up to the July 4th weekend and the end of the second quarter.

The chart above depicts national average spot market rates for the past four weeks, including fuel surcharges. Weekly rate snapshots reflect averages for the month to-date, from DAT RateView.

Jun 11 – 17 – Load board activity subsided from the previous week in which the national load-to-truck ratio for all equipment types hit its highest mark in years. Despite the dip in load-to-truck ratios, rates did not fall. National average rates held steady for vans and reefers, while rates for flatbeds increased 1¢ per mile. Rates for all equipment types remain at their highest level in nearly two years.

The chart above depicts national average spot market rates for the past four weeks, including fuel surcharges. Weekly rate snapshots reflect averages for the month to-date, from DAT RateView.

Jun 4 – 10 – Load board activity was as robust as we’ve ever seen it, with the national load-to-truck ratio for all equipment types hitting 11.0. That’s the highest it’s been since the week after Memorial Day 2014. There was the expected week-over-week increase going from a 4-day work week to a 5-day work week, plus the annual Roadcheck inspection blitz tightened capacity during the week. National average rates increased for vans, reefers and flatbeds, with rates hitting their highest marks in nearly two years.

The chart above depicts national average spot market rates for the past four weeks, including fuel surcharges. Weekly rate snapshots reflect averages for the month to-date, from DAT RateView.