DAT Freight Index Remains Higher Versus a Year Ago
Spot market freight availability remained strong in October, continuing a 15-month streak of record demand for truckload services, according to the freight matching service provider DAT Solutions.
by Staff
November 13, 2014
1 min to read
Spot market freight availability remained strong in October, continuing a 15-month streak of record demand for truckload services, according to new numbers from the freight matching service provider DAT Solutions.
Volume increased 25%, compared to October 2013, with a 3.7% month-over-month decline that is consistent with seasonal trends and pushing the company’s North American Freight Index higher compared to a year ago. The index reflects spot market freight availability on the DAT Network of load boards in the United States and Canada.
Ad Loading...
On a year-over-year basis, freight volume rose on the spot market for all three equipment categories in the U.S. Load availability for dry vans increased 42 %, refrigerated freight increased 20%, and flatbed volume added 36%. Compared to September, freight volume increased 2.4% for vans, but dipped 1.5% for reefers and declined 10% for flatbeds.
National average truckload rates increased in the year-over-year period for all three equipment types. Van rates rose 15%, reefer rates increased 18%, and flatbeds added 16%. Compared to September, October rates increased 0.6% in the van category, but reefer rates slipped 2.2% and flatbed rates lost 0.5%, in a seasonal pattern.
Rates cited for line haul only, excluding fuel surcharges, which declined on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis.
When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.
As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.
CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.
Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.
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.
