June spot freight numbers dropped from May, according to TransCore, despite setting a same-month record.


In June, TransCore's DAT North American Freight Index set a same-month record for the highest freight volume in the month of June. On a year-over-year basis, June volume surpassed levels from June 2011 by 6.3%.

However, freight volume slipped 2% compared to May of this year. This decline differs from a typical seasonal pattern where freight volumes peak in June with an average May to June increase of 12%.

The monthly DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on TransCore's network of load boards in the United States and Canada.

Truckload freight rates on the spot market increased in June for the three major trailer types. Compared to May, rates rose 4.4% for vans, 3.4% for flatbeds and 7.9% for refrigerated ("reefer") vans, which are typically in high demand in the summer months. On a year-over-year basis, dry van rates were up 4.4%, flatbed rates gained 2.3% and reefer rates rose 3.5%.

Spot market rates are derived from the DAT Truckload Rate Index, and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.