Van rates are in decline on the spot market in most major markets, according to TransCore’s Truckload Rate Index. In the past two weeks, spot market linehaul rates for vans dipped by 2.3%, not including surcharges or fees. This reduction followed a 1.5% decline in the prior two-week period, yielding a drop of 3.8% for the month. Rates in backhaul lanes and small markets were relatively stable, with a 0.8% decline compared to the previous two-week period. Fuel surcharges increased during the same period, so total rates – comprised of the linehaul plus surcharges and fees – may appear to be unchanged for shippers and some brokers.
Market with increasing van rates:
- Dallas outbound rates were up by an average 1.7%. Dallas was the only major market to show an increase in the last two weeks.
- Dallas to Los Angeles rates rose by $0.05, to $1.09 including surcharges.
Market with steepest decline in van rates:
- Atlanta and Los Angeles were among the highest-paying markets, along with Chicago. They also showed the steepest declines.
- Atlanta to Orlando slipped from $2.34 to $2.07, all in.
- Los Angeles rates were down by 4.5% overall, led by decreases to Chicago, Dallas, Denver and Atlanta.
For each week’s Rate Trend, we analyze changes in freight movement and rates on the spot market in 48 top lanes across the U.S. These routes serve major markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. We also look at secondary markets such as Columbus, Denver and Memphis.
To find rates for your favorite lanes and equipment every day, subscribe to Truckload Rate Index Combo. You’ll get spot market pricing from broker rate agreements – not bids – alongside the longer-term contract rates derived from thousands of actual freight bills, plus information about load-to-truck ratios, historic rate trends and other cool features.
