Spot truckload volumes retreated in June, reflecting subdued demand for trucking services during what is typically a summer peak, says DAT Freight & Analytics.
"Many retailers and manufacturers continued to hold inventory at current levels or allowed it to draw down,” says Ken Adamo, chief of analytics at DAT. “Freight moved in fits and starts rather than steadily and predictably building toward the July 4 holiday.”
Key takeaways:
· The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) slipped back to March and April levels after modest gains in May: Van TVI: 243, down 2% from May; Refrigerated (reefer) TVI: 191, down 5%; Flatbed TVI: 314, up 1%.
· June truckload volumes were positive year over year. The van TVI was 4% higher than in June 2024; the reefer TVI increased 10%; and the flatbed TVI rose 12% compared to a year ago.
· Shippers remained wary of soft consumer spending and uncertain costs from tariffs and the Israel-Iran war.
· After a bump in May, national average truckload spot prices stalled in June: Spot van: $2.02 per mile, up 3 cents from May; Spot reefer: $2.37 per mile, up 1 cent; Spot flatbed: $2.57 per mile, unchanged for the third consecutive month.
· Contract rates kept pace with higher fuel surcharges: Contract van: $2.41 per mile, up 2 cents month over month; Contract reefer: $2.74 per mile, up 2 cents; Contract flatbed: $3.08 per mile, up 1 cent.
“Higher fuel prices and the enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements for truck drivers had minimal impact on carrier exits in June,“ says Adamo.
