DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards, said as a result, spot rates were stable and roughly in line with the same period last year. National average van and flatbed load-to-truck ratios declined slightly, while the reefer ratio increased compared to the previous week, reflecting demand to move fresh produce and temperature-controlled goods ahead of the Christmas holiday.
The national average van load-to-truck ratio edged down from 5.2 to 5.1, while the average spot van rate was a penny lower at $2.07 per mile, DAT Solutions said, adding that the number of van load posts fell 7 percent compared to the previous week, while truck posts declined 6 percent.
Overall, the van market reflected stability, DAT Solutions said, pointing out that among the top 100 van lanes, the number of losers and gainers was balanced and freight schedules showed no obvious signs of stress from e-commerce demands this year.
Regionally, Houston pricing caught up to a recent spike in volumes as the average outbound rate rose 5 cents to $1.84 per mile. The average outbound rate from Dallas increased 2 cents to $1.76 per mile, led in part by the Dallas-Houston lane, up 9 cents to an average of $2.48 per mile, DAT Solutions said.
DAT data showed prices were weaker out of Seattle, Philadelphia and Denver — markets known for low spot van rates. Denver-outbound rates dropped 4 cents to an average of $1.36 per mile last week.
The national average reefer rate was unchanged at $2.42 per mile. The number of reefer load posts was up 6 percent, while truck posts dropped 6 percent, which DAT Solutions said helped elevate rates on high-volume lanes and push the reefer load-to-truck ratio up 12 percent to 7.1.
Reefer rates from McAllen, Texas, continue to reflect strong demand, DAT Solutions said, pointing out that winter harvest activity helped boost the average outbound rate 15 cents to $2.38 per mile. Higher-priced lanes included McAllen to Elizabeth, N.J., which jumped 51 cents to $2.75 per mile, and McAllen to Atlanta, up 25 cents to $2.51 per mile. Dallas-Houston was the region’s high lane for reefer freight, gaining 8 cents to $2.91 per mile compared to the previous week.
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now