Truckload linehaul rates in November were 1.8% above the same month last year, according to the latest Cass Truckload Linehaul index.

This 1.8% increase is also the year-over-year performance it has averaged for all of 2013.

“Truckload volumes continue to grow, posting a three-month moving average of 7.2% over last year, spawned by strength in energy, housing and the automotive markets,” says Cass.

The Cass Intermodal Price Index shows total intermodal costs in November remained below 2012 levels for the third month in a row, partially due to lower year-over-year diesel prices.

In November, all intermodal costs were 1.5% below November 2012. Rail data has shown weekly intermodal volumes remaining near the all-time record highs set in October.

The linehaul index is indicator of market fluctuations in per-mile truckload pricing that isolates the linehaul component of full truckload costs from other components, such as fuel and accessorials. The intermodal index is an indicator of market fluctuations in per-mile U.S. domestic intermodal costs, that includes all costs associated with the move, such as linehaul, fuel and accessorials.

Data from both is derived from actual freight invoices paid on behalf of Cass’ clients.