Truckload Market Insights: Demand Dynamics After October Surge

Understanding the Recent Trends in Truckload Volumes

After experiencing a rise in truckload volumes throughout the year, the freight industry has encountered a dip in activity. According to DAT Freight & Analytics, the most recent month showed a decline in some key indicators related to truckload freight.

A Closer Look at the Truckload Volume Index

The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) reported a drop across all equipment categories when compared to the previous month. Specifically, the following changes were noted:

Volume Index for Different Equipment Types

Van TVI: recorded at 246, decreased by 18%.
Refrigerated TVI: at 204, down 11%.
Flatbed TVI: at 242, which is a 23% drop.

Year-over-year data shows that only reefer freight managed to gain traction, rising by 7% from the previous year. In contrast, van and flatbed TVIs saw small decreases of 1% and 5%, respectively.

Factors Affecting Market Conditions

Ken Adamo, the Chief of Analytics at DAT, highlighted the substantial freight movement earlier this year that may contribute to diminished volumes in November. 

Reefer Freight Takes the Lead

One notable exception to this trend was the reefer freight segment. The Thanksgiving holiday allowed grocery stores to stock up on fresh and frozen goods, thus leading to a temporary surge in demand.

Spot Rate Trends and Highlights

Spot rates have demonstrated some interesting changes as well. The national average spot rate for reefer freight rose by 6 cents to reach $2.45 per mile, marking the highest average since January. Conversely, van rates remained stable at $2.02, while flatbed rates experienced a slight decline, dropping to $2.37.

Linehaul Rate Overview

Looking at linehaul rates, the van rate averaged $1.64 per mile, up by 1 cent when compared to October's figures. The reefer rate increased by 7 cents to $2.04, while flatbed rates fell 3 cents to $1.93. Overall, current rates reflect approximately a 5% increase year-over-year.

Contract Rates and Market Movements

National average contract rates had minor fluctuations last month:

Contract Rates Breakdown

Contract van rate: averaged $2.40 per mile, down by 1 cent and 11 cents lower than a year prior.
Contract reefer rate: consistent at $2.74 per mile, indicating a decrease of 18 cents from last year.
Contract flatbed rate: reported at $3.03 per mile, down by 1 cent year-on-year.

Interestingly, the DAT iQ New Rate Differential (NRD) for van freight has shown a positive trend at 0.3%, marking a notable shift in the market that signals a potential tightening and subsequent price increase for shippers.

Projected Future Trends

Despite recent market declines, the outlook appears cautiously optimistic. Adamo foresees that while significant changes may not happen immediately, the groundwork for gradual rate growth seems solid as we look toward the first half of 2025.

About the DAT Truckload Volume Index

The DAT Truckload Volume Index serves as a crucial metric reflecting the changes in the number of loads picked up each month, using January 2015 as a baseline of 100. Additionally, DAT's benchmark spot rates draw from invoice data on hauls exceeding 250 miles.

Company Overview: DAT Freight & Analytics

As the leader in freight marketplace and data analytics in North America, DAT Freight & Analytics relies on extensive data, processing over 400 million freight matches annually and managing a substantial database of transactions valued at $150 billion.

Founded in 1978 and operating as a business unit of Roper Technologies (NASDAQ: ROP), DAT's reputation is built on delivering valuable insights into the transportation industry's evolving trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the decline in truckload volumes?

The decline in truckload volumes is attributed to earlier freight movement in the year in anticipation of tariffs and port strikes.

How did reefer freight perform compared to other categories?

Reefer freight showed resilience with a year-over-year increase of 7%, the only category to report such growth.

What are the current spot rates for freight?

The national average spot rate for reefer freight is $2.45 per mile, while van rates are stable at $2.02, and flatbed rates have decreased to $2.37.

What does the NRD indicate for shippers?

A positive NRD suggests a tightening market, which could lead to higher truckload pricing for contract freight.

How can I learn more about DAT Freight & Analytics?

For more information about DAT Freight & Analytics, visit their website at dat.com.

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