In April, the DAT North American Freight Index achieved the highest volume in a single month since the Index was established in 1996.
On a year-over-year basis, volume increased 17%. Compared to March, the increase was 3.5%. The monthly DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on TransCore’s DAT Network of Load Boards in the United States and LoadLink in Canada. (Note: Considering loads in the U.S. only, DAT Trendlines recorded a 12% increase compared to March and an increase of the same amount compared to April 2011.)
Spot market freight rates likewise increased in April, compared to March. Rates for dry vans increased 3.1%, flatbed rates gained 4.9% and refrigerated (“reefer”) van rates rose 5.5% month over month. Compared to April 2011, spot market rates remained relatively stable, rising 0.1 percent for vans and 1.2 percent for flatbeds while rates declined 1.8 percent for reefers.
Rates are derived from the company’s DAT Truckload Rate Index, and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.
