Brokers Paying More Than Shippers in Fewer Lanes in Q3

Trucking companies received the highest rates from freight brokers and intermediaries in 13% of lanes in the third quarter, compared to 24 percent in Q2

by Staff

November 23, 2011

1 min to read

Trucking companies received the highest rates from freight brokers and intermediaries in 13% of lanes in the third quarter, compared to 24 percent in Q2.

A new report released by TransCore, "Spot Market Rates vs. Contract Rates Q3 2011," analyzes shifts in demand and truck capacity that led to seasonal and regional changes in pricing for truckload freight transportation on the spot market.

The report, which is based on the company's Truckload Rate Index, shows that the region of highest demand and rising freight rates shifted during Q3 from the Southeast to the Upper Midwest and West Coast. National average rates dipped on the spot market in July and August for dry vans, the dominant mode of freight transportation. Spot market rates then rebounded in September, in advance of holiday retail shipments.

Spot market rates are rates paid to the carrier by freight brokers and other freight intermediaries. When demand and capacity are in balance, spot market rates are typically 10 to 15 percent lower than contract rates for the same route or lane. When spot market rates exceed contract rates, it indicates pricing pressure in a specific market or lane.

Topics:Economy Fleet Management

More Fleet Management

Stacks of intermodal containers at port with truck driving between them

Fleet Management•by News/Media Release•June 9, 2026

Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall

After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.

AUCTION OF EQUITY INTEREST IN HEAVY HAUL TRUCKING COMPANY!!

Mark your calendar: June 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m. PDT). MagnaTrans, LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as Magna Transportation Group is going to auction! Bid on a 37.5% ownership interest in this Rancho Cucamonga-based heavy haul and over-dimensional trucking company operating across California, Oregon, and Arizona. The equity interest will be sold to the highest bidder or bidders under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

Fleet Management•by News/Media Release•June 4, 2026

Volvo Trucks Adds Unattended Over-the-Air Software Update Capabilities

The latest evolution of Volvo’s over-the-air update technology allows software updates to run while trucks are parked, helping fleets keep vehicles current without disrupting operations.