In May, TransCore's DAT North American Freight Index again achieved record freight volume in a single month, surpassing the record set in April by 1.7%. On a year-over-year basis, volume increased 25%.

Truckload freight rates increased seasonally on the spot market in May for all three major equipment types.

Rates for dry vans increased 2.2% compared to April, while flatbed rates gained 1.8% and refrigerated van rates rose 7.2%. Compared to May 2011, spot market rates rose for all three equipment types; rates increased 3% for vans, 0.6% for flatbeds and 1.9% for reefers. Rates are derived from DAT Truckload Rate Index and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.

Looking ahead to July, carriers are likely to find relatively high freight volumes and a favorable ratio of outbound loads in California and in the Southeast, most notably in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas.

The DAT North American Freight Index is representative of the ups and downs in North American spot market freight movement.