Among the bright spots mentioned in DAT Solutions' Truckload Rate report are a boost in activity and rates out of the Midwest.  Photo: Truckinginfo.com

Among the bright spots mentioned in DAT Solutions' Truckload Rate report are a boost in activity and rates out of the Midwest. Photo: Truckinginfo.com

Truckload rates are staying strong despite a slight fall-off in demand. That’s according to a report issued by DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT national network of load boards.

According to the report, the number of available loads on the spot truckload market slipped just 3% during the week ending July 22, better than expected for the middle of July.

Nationally, the overall number of truck posts was up 2% compared to the previous week as demand for capacity stayed solid and prices remained high. Load-to-truck ratios for all three major freight segments fell 5%: the load/truck ratio for vans was 4.8; flatbeds 36.1; and reefers 8.5. Spot van load posts declined 1% and the number of posted trucks increased 2%.

The national average van rate fell 2 cents to $1.81/mile as most major markets saw lower pricing. Los Angeles ($2.18/mile, down 5 cents), Chicago ($2.07/mile, down 2 cents), Houston ($1.80/mile, down 5 cents), and Atlanta ($2.12/mile, down 7 cents) all reflected lower spot truckload prices for outbound van freight. The spot reefer market mirrored vans, as load posts decreased 6% while truck posts were up 11%. 

There were some bright spots, including a boost in activity and rates out of the Midwest where fruit and vegetable harvests are coming in. The national average spot reefer rate fell 3 cents to $2.09/mile. Flatbed load posts declined 1% last week while truck posts increased 4%. At $2.18/mile, the national average flatbed rate was 2 cents lower compared to the previous week.

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.

About the author
Jack Roberts

Jack Roberts

Executive Editor

Jack Roberts is known for reporting on advanced technology, such as intelligent drivetrains and autonomous vehicles. A commercial driver’s license holder, he also does test drives of new equipment and covers topics such as maintenance, fuel economy, vocational and medium-duty trucks and tires.

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