In September, the national average for spot market rates rose two percent for both dry vans and refrigerated ("reefer") vans compared to August. Flatbed rates remained stable, month-over-month. Rates appear to be following a more traditional seasonal trend.


Spot market rates were helped by rate improvements for all equipment types on outbound lanes from Chicago and Philadelphia. Chicago lanes benefitted from the Great Lakes region produce harvest, which lifted reefer rates. Both key market areas saw van rates rise due to increased consumer goods freight.

In contrast, September rates from Los Angeles declined for all equipment types compared to August, according to TransCore's Truckload Rate Index. Reduced port activity and produce contributed to the decline. However, assuming historic trends hold, as consumer goods arrive from Asia for the Christmas season, load volumes from Los Angeles should increase with a corresponding increase in rates.