Strong Produce Lanes Push Reefer Rate Higher

The number of spot market loads on the DAT network of load boards gained 1.2 percent and truck posts were up 3.6 percent during the week ending May 12.

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The number of spot market loads on the DAT network of load boards gained 1.2 percent and truck posts were up 3.6 percent during the week ending May 12, which had a moderating effect on rates. The spring shipping season may be late but it's here, especially in produce-distribution markets.

  • Van: $2.15/mile, down 3 cents week over week 
  • Flatbed: $2.71/mile, down a penny after a 7-cent increase the previous week
  • Reefer: $2.49/mile, up 1 cent 

VAN OVERVIEW: Van load posts increased 7 percent while truck posts increased 3 percent. That caused the van load-to-truck ratio to increase 3 percent to 6.4 loads per truck. Many key average outbound rates were weaker: 

  • Columbus, Ohio: $2.48/mile, down 8 cents. Columbus to Buffalo, an important regional van lane, fell 25 cents to an average of $3.70/mile 
  • Houston: $2.12/mile, down 2 cents
  • Memphis: $2.67/mile, down 1 cents
  • Los Angeles: $2.45/mile, up 3 cents

FLATBED OVERVIEW: Nationally, the number of flatbed load posts declined 1 percent while truck posts increased 8 percent. That caused the load-to-truck ratio to cool, falling 8 percent to 102 loads per truck. 

REEFER OVERVIEW: Reefer load posts fell 3 percent while truck posts increased 6 percent. That caused the national load-to-truck ratio for reefers to decline 8 percent, from 9.2 to 8.5 loads per truck. The average outbound rate from Miami jumped 25 cents to $3.29/mile, and several lanes showed gains: 

  • Miami to Baltimore: $3.49/mile, up 24 cents
  • Los Angeles to Portland: $3.42/mile, up 15 cents
  • Dallas to Houston: $3.03/mile, up 6 cents 
  • Elizabeth, N.J., to Boston: $4.35/mile, up 11 cents


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