Trucking Numbers

More trucks, fewer loads send spots rates lower as summer settles in, according to DAT load boards.

Trailer orders have now totaled 335,000 units for the past 12 months.

The national average spot van rate on the DAT network of load boards fell 7 cents to $2.38/mile while the refrigerated rate dropped 7 cents to $2.70/mile. After holding steady for two weeks, the flatbed rate dipped 2 cents to $2.80/mile.

Rates for spot market transactions matched longer-term contract rates for dry van equipment, while spot refrigerated (“reefer”) and flatbed rates exceeded contract rates as a national average.

After a June full of diesel and gasoline price dips, July has started with two straight weeks increasing prices at the pump across the nation, according to EIA.