DAT North American Freight Index Maintains Late-Season Strength
Spot market freight volumes reported by the DAT North American Freight Index rose another 0.4% in August, edging above July levels. Freight volume typically peaks on the spot market in June, but this year has extended through the entire summer.
Spot market freight volumes reported by the DAT North American Freight Index rose another 0.4% in August, edging above July levels. Freight volume typically peaks on the spot market in June, but this year has extended through the entire summer.
Month-over-month load availability increased for vans and refrigerated trailers, while flatbed load volume experienced a typical seasonal decline. Freight volume rose 3.1% for vans and 3.8% for reefers, but declined 5.1% for flatbeds.
Compared to August 2012, freight availability rose 13% overall. Van freight volume rose 10%, reefer loads increased 22% and flatbed freight added 14%.
Spot market rates remained stable for vans in August compared to July. In a typical seasonal pattern, rates declined 3% for reefers and 1.8% for flatbeds.
On a year-over-year basis, van rates rose 2.3% and reefer rates gained 1.9%, while flatbed rates declined 4.6% compared to the unusually high rates of August 2012.
More Drivers
Netradyne Intelligence Uses New AI Agents to Automate Response to In-Cab Camera Data
The company called the next-generation in-cab camera safety platform "a fundamental shift from systems that report on what happened to systems that actively drive what should happen next."
Read More →
Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money
A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.
Read More →
Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership
A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.
Read More →
Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech
Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.
Read More →
Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing
Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.
Read More →
Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation
Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises
New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.
Read More →
Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion
Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.
Read More →
New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
Read More →
WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops
ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.
Read More →