Truckload spot rates holding strong

Data from DAT Solutions shows spot rates dipped week-on-week but remain higher than May levels, with two loads available for every truck posted on DAT load boards.    Average spot truckload rates dipped during the week ending June 20 but remain well above the averages for May, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.
   The number of van load posts declined 13 percent and available van capacity increased 3.2 percent through June 20, driving the van load-to-truck ratio down 15 percent, to two loads per truck (meaning there were two available van loads for every truck posted on the DAT network).
   Van rates responded by declining two cents to $1.88 per mile, the first change since a five-cent increase during the first week of June. Average outbound rates rose in several key markets, including Los Angeles, up five cents to $2.15 per mile, and Columbus, up four cents to $1.85 a mile.
   Flatbed load availability dropped 13 percent last week, while 13 percent of flatbed capacity was added. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio declined 23 percent to 20.6, which still indicates strong demand. The national average rate for flatbeds slid one cent to $2.19 per mile.
   Rates come from DAT RateView, a tool that provides real-time reports on prevailing spot market and contract rates, as well as historical rate and capacity trends.