While van rates have settled during the last month and flatbed rates continue to increase throughout 2011, reefer rates have begun toshow signs of seasonal movement. We havewatched for this trend because of weather patterns that have disrupted produceand normal seasonality. The areas thatare improving include California, Colorado and Georgia while Arizona hasremained strong and south Texas is currently fading.
Reefer rates from the Los Angeles area led the increase in thepast seven days with a 3.3% overall rise in linehaul rates. Major reefer lanes showing the most movement were Los Angeles to Phoenix up $0.14 (7%), to Seattle up $0.12 (6%)and to Chicago up $0.10 (6%). Othernotable lanes for reefer freight were Denver to Los Angeles up $0.17 (22%) and Denver to Dallas up$0.14 (11%). The Orlando to Atlantaproduce lane continues to be strong at $2.41/mile for linehaul, off 2 centsfrom the week earlier measurement but still up $1.01/mile from one monthearlier.
Several areas showed declines in reefer rates including outboundPhiladelphia to Columbus down $0.21 (16%) and to Chicago down $0.11 (13%). The most notable decrease showed a 32%decline in rates from the Rio Grande Valley To Dallas.
For detailed information on current spot market lanerates check out Truckload RateIndex. For weekly market trends, sign up forTransCore Trendlines.
