PORTLAND, Ore. -- For the month of June, TransCore's North American Freight Index recorded the second-highest load volume this year and in its 15-year history. Freight availability was higher only in March 2011. Compared to the previous month, June freight increased 15 percent and 37 percent compared to June of last year. June also marked the sixth consecutive month to exceed its five-year historical comparison.

Truckload freight rates rose seasonally on the spot market in June for all equipment types, according to TransCore's Truckload Rate Index. The national average rate rose 4.5 percent in June for dry vans compared to May and 3.8 percent compared to June 2010. Refrigerated ("reefer") vans were up 5.6 percent month-over-month and 4.9 percent year-over-year, while flatbed rates increased 0.6 percent for the month and 7.4 percent compared to June 2010. Spot market rates are paid to the carrier by brokers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. The rates referenced above do not include fuel surcharges.

TransCore's monthly North American Freight Index measures truckload freight movement on the spot market, reflecting freight availability on TransCore's network of load boards in the United States and Canada.