Van and flatbed rates have increased consistently over the past three months, as I’ve blogged before. Now that reefer rates began to increase, we are seeing more stable rate trends, especially in major markets.
In the second week of April, TransCore measured a 0.5% change in van linehaul rates. This increase can be traced back to higher rates from Atlanta and Memphis to places like Columbus and Dallas. The top gaining lane from Atlanta to Columbus moved up by 27 cents per mile on 28% higher load volume.
Other noteworthy lanes, typically associated with market changes, report modest moves not generally seen in spot market pricing in the past year. For example, Atlanta to Orlando moved up by one cent to a price of $2.50 per mile to the truck all-in. Dallas to Houston also moved up one cent to $2.45 all-in. On the West Coast, Los Angeles to Sacramento/Stockton dipped by three cents per mile, while the return lane from Sacramento to Los Angeles moved one penny lower. Chicago to Columbus moved up one cent while the backhaul from Columbus to Chicago showed no change on 167 truckloads sampled in the database.
Brokers are beginning to feel less rate pressure in linehaul cost this week, while cost pressure from rising fuel expense continues for all parties involved in freight transportation.
For detailed information on current spot market lane rates check out Truckload Rate Index. For weekly market trends, sign up for TransCore Trendlines.
