Portland, OR – Portland, OR -- The DAT North American Freight Index reports a 0.8 percent increase in spot market volume in October, compared to September. After a strong first two weeks, softness in U.S. freight availability at the end of the month was partly offset by volume growth in Canada. Year-over-year, North American freight volume on the spot market declined 4.0 percent.

In the U.S., all three equipment types experienced a net decline in freight availability compared to September. Van load volumes slipped 1.1 percent, refrigerated (“reefer”) freight dipped 5.5 percent and flatbed loads declined 5.0 percent, month-over-month. Compared to October 2011, van freight volume increased 3.5 percent, reefer freight dipped 1.5 percent and there were 20 percent fewer flatbed loads.

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 continued a seasonal decline that began in July, although reefer rates were up slightly compared to October 2011. Van rates dipped 0.8 percent month-over-month and 3.0 percent year-over-year. Reefer rates slid 3.1 percent for the month but rose 1.9 percent when compared to the same month last year. Rates for flatbeds declined 2.9 percent compared to September and 1.2 percent versus October 2011.

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.