Truck dispatcher and industry monitor DAT Solutions reports robust activity for the trucking industry this summer as rates generally increased across US routes.
According to DAT data, the load board gained in the week ending July 30, while truck posts fell, resulting in increased load to truck (L/T) ratios for all equipment types. Specifically, van L/T ratio went up 11%, reefer L/T ratio spiked 18%; and flatbed L/T ratio rose 5%.
Meanwhile, national average spot truckload rate for van freight dropped 1 cent to $1.64 per mile compared to the previous week, but still two cents higher than the June average. The reefer rate dipped three cents week on week, which is four cents below the June average. Flatbed average picked up by a penny to $1.92/mile, but four cents below the June average.
Declining diesel prices chipped away at rates as spot rates include a surcharge with the national average diminishing three cents to $2.35/gallon.
DAT further identified Columbus and Dallas as markets to watch for increased competition and higher rates.
Agriculture contributed to a spike in demand for reefers in the Grand Rapids as areas in California registered tepid requirements.
Meanwhile, the flatbed routes that saw robust activity include Roanoke-Baltimore, Savannah-Charlotte, and Cleveland-Roanoke.
