The number of loads on the spot truckload freight market jumped 3.6% during the week ending March 24 while truck capacity increased 1.3%, according to DAT Solutions.

Load-to-truck ratios increased as a result of the increased activity, representing the number of available loads for every truck on the spot market.

• Flatbed ratio: 87.7,  three straight weeks in the 86-to-88 range

• Van ratio: 6.9, up slightly compared to the previous week

• Reefer ratio: 10.5, up 3.7% from 10.1

With freight volume building ahead of the end of the first quarter, the start of the penalty phase of the ELD mandate, and Easter weekend, national average spot rates held firm. Flatbed spot rates were up 2 cents to $2.52/mile the highest rate since Summer 2014. Flatbed load volume on DAT load boards rose 5.6%, building on a 9% increase the previous week.

Van rates dropped 1 cent to  $2.13/mile and reefer spot rates remained unchanged for the fourth week in a row at $2.40/mile. The number of available van loads rose 2% versus a 1% increase in the number of truck posts. Reefer load posts increased 3% while truck posts were virtually unchanged.