DAT: Spot truckload volumes rise 11%

Combined spot truckload volumes for all three equipment types – van, flatbed and reefer – increased 11 percent for the week of March 27-April 2, compared to the prior week, according to DAT Solutions.    Spot truckload volumes for all three equipment types combined – van, flatbed and reefer – increased 11 percent for the week of March 27-April 2, compared to the prior week, while available capacity dropped 5.5 percent, according to the Portland, Ore.-based research firm DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.
   For March, spot truckload volumes surged 42 percent month-over-month, but tumbled 28 percent year-over-year. In the van market, the number of posted loads rose 16 percent for the week ending April 2, compared to the prior week, while the national average van rate inched up by one cent to $1.57 per mile.
   Meanwhile, flatbed load volumes rose 12 percent week-over-week and the national average flatbed rate increased by 4 cents to $1.91 per mile.
   Reefer load volumes increased 3 percent for the week ending April 2, compared to the previous week, while the national average reefer rate remained unchanged at $1.82 per mile.