The total number of loads posted on DAT load boards rose 2.5 percent during the week, nearly matching the increase in the number of equipment posts (2.6 percent).

A balance of available loads and capacity generally means little movement on rates. Indeed, the national average van rate dropped 2 cents to $1.77 per mile as the van load-to-truck ratio fell 1.2 percent to 1.8, meaning there were 1.6 available van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network. Key markets, including Los Angeles (down 5 cents to $2.02 per mile), Chicago (down 3 cents to $1.96), Dallas (off 3 cents to $1.70), and Atlanta (down 5 cents to $1.79), all saw declines in average outbound van rates.

In the reefer market, the national average spot truckload rate dipped 1 cent to $2.04 per mile. Load volume increased 2.0 percent but lagged behind a 4.5 percent jump in equipment availability, which helped send the reefer load-to-truck ratio down 2.4 percent to 4.5 loads per truck.

Flatbed load availability recovered 3.7 percent last week and capacity declined 1.0 percent, pushing the flatbed load-to-truck ratio up 4.8 percent to 12.8 loads per truck. The national average rate for flatbeds dropped 8 cents to $2.07 per mile compared to the previous week, including a 1-cent drop in the fuel surcharge.

The national average price of diesel was unchanged at $2.62 per gallon. All reported rates include fuel surcharges.

Source: DAT Solutions