MENU
SEARCHIn a year of a record amount of freight on the spot market, March was no exception with freight availability increasing 56% in March compared to the same time a year ago, according to the DAT North American Index.
In a year of a record amount of freight on the spot market, March was no exception with freight availability increasing 56% in March compared to the same time a year ago, according to the DAT North American Index.
Within the U.S. the year-over-year change was even more dramatic. A 64% increase was divided among the three equipment categories: vans were up 63%, flatbeds 58% higher and up 70% for refrigerated trailers.
Compared to February, freight volume increased 17% in March.
Extraordinary volume from December through February was attributable to extreme winter weather that disrupted supply chains nationwide during what is usually a slow season, said DAT. In March, however, freight volume also received a boost from increased economic activity and normal seasonal trends, in addition to pent-up demand from recurring storms.
Much of the increased seasonal volume was in the flatbed segment, where load availability rose 38% compared to February, while van freight added 10% and reefer loads increased 7%.
The continued pressure on spot market capacity buoyed spot market rates to new heights in March, as well. Year-over-year rate increases were significant for all three major equipment types: 25% for vans, 20% for reefers and 13% for flatbeds.
Compared to February 2014, when extreme weather led to a shift of unusual freight volumes to the spot market, rates in March rose 6.7% for vans, 3.6% for reefers, and 4.8% for flatbeds.
Rates are cited for line haul only, excluding fuel surcharges, which increased on a month-over-month basis but declined compared to March 2013.
The DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on the DAT Network of load boards in the United States and Canada.
How a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
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 →
A modest sequential increase capped the strongest quarterly performance in years, signaling continued freight momentum in early 2026.
Read More →
More than 300 carriers across 26 states have been sent to collections as the Ohio Turnpike cracks down on toll evasion and delinquent payments.
Read More →
The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.
Read More →
