The national average load-to-truck ratio fell 13 percent to 10.1, meaning there were 10.1 van, refrigerated, and flatbed loads posted for every truck available on DAT load boards.

The national average van rate added 2 cents (1.1 percent) to $2.07 per mile (including fuel surcharge), as the rate approached the all-time high of $2.10 per mile set in March. The number of posted van loads fell 0.7 percent while van capacity increased 14 percent compared to the previous week. The van load-to-truck ratio was down 13 percent to 4.2.

The national average reefer rate rose 3 cents to $2.41 per mile on the strength of Western markets, including Los Angeles ($3.10 per mile, up 7 cents) and Fresno ($2.46 per mile, a 13-cent jump). Average outbound rates from Florida continued to cool, including Lakeland dropping 30 cents to $2.26 per mile.

The number of posted refrigerated loads fell 2.8 percent against a 7.9 percent increase in posted capacity, sending the reefer load-to-truck ratio down 10 percent to 11.1.

The national average rate for flatbeds fell 2 cents (0.8 percent) to $2.42 per mile last week. The number of posted flatbed loads slipped 0.3 percent compared to the previous week and capacity added 4.7 percent producing a 4.8 percent drop in the national load-to-truck ratio. It remains robust at 48.5 posted loads per truck.

The national average diesel price declined a penny to $3.88 per gallon. Prices had dropped 2.6 cents per gallon during the previous week.

Load-to-truck ratios represent the number of loads posted for every truck posted on DAT load boards. The load-to-truck ratio is a sensitive, real-time indicator of the balance between spot market demand and capacity. Changes in the ratio often signal impending changes in rates. Rates are derived from DAT RateView.

Source: DAT