PORTLAND, Ore., Jul 13, 2012 -- In June, TransCore's DAT North American Freight Index continued its historic highs, with another strong month of freight availability. Year-over-year, freight volume surpassed June 2011 levels by 6.3 percent, but declined month-over-month by 2.0 percent. This is only the second time in the past ten years that spot market freight volume declined between May and June, deviating from the typical pattern of a June peak, with an average increase of 12 percent compared to May.

The monthly DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on TransCore's network of load boards in the United States and Canada.

Truckload freight rates on the spot market increased in June for the three major trailer types. Compared to May, rates rose 4.4 percent for vans, 3.4 percent for flatbeds and 7.9 percent for refrigerated ("reefer") vans, which are typically in high demand in the summer months. On a year-over-year basis, dry van rates were up 4.4 percent, flatbed rates gained 2.3 percent and reefer rates rose 3.5 percent.

Spot market rates are derived from the DAT Truckload Rate Index, and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.