Demand for freight to be moved on the spot truckload market outpaced available truck capacity during the week ending Nov. 28, as rates in the two of the three major sectors inched higher for a change.

Despite this there were significant reductions in loads and available trucks, down 20% and 27%, respectively, compared to the previous week, which is typical for a holiday-shortened week, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.

The number of posted van loads slipped 15% while truck posts fell 29%. The load-to-truck ratio rose, resulting in 2.1 van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network.

The national average van rate picked up 0.6% to $1.71 per mile, its best showing in three weeks. Outbound rates rose the most in Seattle and Memphis.

Reefer load posts ended the week down 24% and the number of available trucks lost 19%. The reefer load-to-truck ratio dipped from 4.6 to 4.1 loads per truck while the average reefer rate climbed 0.5% to $1.94 per mile, also the highest level in three weeks.

Rates varied widely from $1.40 per mile in Lakeland, Fla to $2.67 in Green Bay.

Spot market flatbed rates held steady at a national average of $1.92 per mile, although the number of available loads fell 24%. Nationally, the flatbed load-to-truck ratio rose from 5.8 to 6.4 loads per truck.

Hot markets for the week included Medford, Ore; Rapid City, S.D.; Omaha, Neb; Little Rock, Ark; Shreveport, La; and Montgomery, Ala. Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio also offered plenty of loads.

This happend as the price of diesel continued to drop, giving up 2 cents for a national average of $2.42 per gallon.

All reported rates include fuel surcharges.