The national average spot van rate was unchanged at $1.90 per mile (including surcharge) after a 5-cent increase the previous week. The number of van load posts declined 9.3 percent while truck posts increased 15 percent, driving the load-to-truck ratio down to 2.4, meaning there were 2.4 available van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network.

The national average refrigerated freight rate was unchanged as well after a 4-cent increase the previous week. The number of reefer loads posted fell 13 percent and posted capacity increased 16 percent. The national average reefer load-to-truck ratio fell to 5.5. The number of available flatbed loads dipped 1.5 percent and truck capacity added 11 percent, pushing the flatbed load-to-truck ratio down to 26.7.

Rates are derived from DAT RateView, which provides real-time reports on prevailing spot market and contract rates, as well as historical rate and capacity trends.

Load-to-truck ratios represent the number of loads posted for every truck available 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.

Source: DAT