Portland, OR – The DAT North American Freight Index showed a return to post-recession freight volumes during the month of February, following a record-setting January. On a year-over-year basis, freight availability declined 2.5 percent. Month-over-month spot freight declined 14 percent, when compared to January’s unusually high freight volumes.

Year-over-year freight availability by equipment type varied. A surge in freight for vans and reefers at the end of the month, contributed to 7.6 percent and 7.2 percent increases respectively compared to February 2012. Flatbed freight declined 11 percent following seasonal norms.

On a month-over-month basis, van loads slipped 11 percent, refrigerated (“reefer”) freight volume declined 15 percent and, flatbed freight availability was unchanged.

Rates increased 0.8 percent on the spot market in February for vans, compared to January, but declined 6.0 percent for reefers and 2.0 percent for flatbeds. As freight volume rose in the final days of February, van rates also increased. Compared to February 2012, van rates rose 1.6 percent and reefer rates increased 2.9 percent while flatbed rates fell 7.5 percent.

The DAT North American Freight Index is a measure of spot market freight availability in the U.S. and Canada.

Rates are derived from DAT RateView, which is based on $18 billion dollars of actual transactions paid by brokers, 3PLs and shippers to carriers. These are linehaul rates only, and exclude fuel surcharges. For weekly updates on national and regional rates, freight volumes, and fuel prices go to www.DAT.com.