The latest DAT North American Freight Index reports a 0.8% increase in spot market volume in October, compared to September. After a strong first two weeks, softness in US freight availability at the end of the month was partly offset by volume growth in Canada.
Year-over-year, North American freight volume on the spot market declined 4.0%. In the US van load volumes slipped 1.1%, refrigerated (“reefer”) freight dipped 5.5% and flatbed loads declined 5.0%, month-over-month.
Compared to October 2011, van freight volume increased 3.5%, reefer freight dipped 1.5% and there were 20% fewer flatbed loads.
The monthly DAT North American Freight Index, which reflects spot market freight availability on TransCore’s network of load boards in the United States and Canada, went on to note that truckload freight rates continued a seasonal decline that began in July, although reefer rates were up slightly compared to October 2011.
“Van rates dipped 0.8% month-over-month and 3.0% year-over-year. Reefer rates slid 3.1% for the month but rose 1.9% when compared to the same month last year. Rates for flatbeds declined 2.9% compared to September and 1.2% versus October 2011,” according to the report.
Rates are derived from the DAT Truckload Rate Index, and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.
