PORTLAND, Ore.-- In May, the TransCore DAT North American Freight Index saw a gain of 1.7 percent exceeding the record set in April and establishing a new high for freight volume in a single month. On a year-over-year basis, volume increased 25 percent.

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

Truckload freight rates on the spot market increased seasonally in May for the three major trailer types. Compared to April, rates rose 2.2 percent for vans, 1.8 percent for flatbeds and 7.2 percent for refrigerated (“reefer”) vans, which are typically in high demand during the spring and summer produce seasons. Spot market freight rates also increased on a year-over-year basis with dry van rates up 3.0 percent, flatbed rates gaining 0.6 percent and reefer rates rising 1.9 percent.

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