An unusual surge of truckload freight led to higher-than-normal volume on the spot market for the week ending July 29, according to DAT Solutions and its network of load boards, but it failed to turn into any substantial rate increases.
National average load-to-truck ratios stayed firm with the van load to truck ratio at 5.3 to 1, up from 4.8 to 1 the previous week. Flatbeds remained at 36.1 to 1 and reefers held at 8.5 to 1.
In the van market, the top 100 van lanes set all-time records for volumes last week. Nationally, load posts increased 6% and posted truck capacity decreased 2%. However, rates did not respond with the national average van rate falling 2 cents to $1.79 per mile, down from $1.90 per mile for the week ending July 8. (All rates below include fuel surcharges and are based on real transactions between carriers and brokers.)