Spot freight rates over the past four weeks.  Graphic: DAT

Spot freight rates over the past four weeks. Graphic: DAT

The number of available loads on the spot market jumped 7.1% during the week ending April 1 as shippers worked to finish Q1 on a high note, according to DAT Solutions and based on its network of load boards.

Available truckload capacity fell 4.9% and load-to-truck ratios increased for all three equipment types with flatbeds posting the biggest hike, 14%, coming in at a level of 40.6 to 1. The van ratio moved 10% higher to 3.7 loads per truck while reefers gained 7% for a reading of 6.1 to 1.

Rates stayed firm with the national average van rate was unchanged compared to the previous week while the reefer and flatbed rate both gained 1 cent a mile. All reported rates include fuel surcharges.

The week’s big story was the impact of the I-85 roadway fire and collapse in Atlanta, according to DAT. The busiest routes are southbound and less likely to be affected -- freight going to and from the Carolinas and points Northeast account for only about 10% of Atlanta’s truck traffic. Atlanta van freight averaged $1.92 per mile last week, up 2 cents compared to the previous week.

Looking more closely at the three freight sectors, it showed the national average van rate remained at $1.63 per mile. Sixty-two of the top 100 van lanes paid better and 10 were neutral.

Average outbound rates in key van markets:

  • Los Angeles, $1.89 per mile, up 5 cents.
  • Chicago, $1.96 per mile, up 3 cents
  • Houston, $1.65 per mile, up 4 cents
  • Dallas, $1.60 per mile, up 4 cents
  • Memphis, $1.95 per mile, up 6 cents

The average spot reefer rate added a penny to $1.87 per mile. California is active now as strawberry producers move goods to ahead of Easter. Average outbound rates increased 6 cents to $1.87 per mile from Fresno and 4 cents to $2.28 per mile from Los Angeles. And while Fresno-Denver remains below summer pricing the lane picked up 21 cents to $2.14 per mile last week.

According to DAT, other reefer lanes to watch are:

  • Green Bay-Wilmington, Delaware, $2.97 per mile, up 10 cents
  • Atlanta-Lakeland, Florida, $2.62 per mile, up 11 cents
  • Lakeland-Chicago, $1.28 per mile, unchanged
  • Elizabeth, New Jersey-Boston, $3.71 per mile, up 5 cents

In the flatbed market the load-to-truck ratio added 14% as load posts increased 7% and truck posts decreased 6%. Demand continues to be strong and the national average rate added a penny to $2.03 per mile, it highest level out of the past four weeks.

 

 

About the author
Evan Lockridge

Evan Lockridge

Former Business Contributing Editor

Trucking journalist since 1990, in the news business since early ‘80s.

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