PORTLAND, Ore. -- TransCore's North American Freight Index marked the fifth consecutive month with the highest same-month spot market freight availability in its 15-year history, up 10 percent compared to one year ago. Despite the record for the month, TransCore’s May Index actually dipped 4.6 percent compared to April.

Truckload freight rates increased seasonally on the spot market in May for all equipment types, according to TransCore's Truckload Rate Index. The national average rate rose 1.5 percent in May for dry vans compared to April and 7.3 percent compared to May 2010. Flatbed rates increased 1.2 percent month-over-month and 8.2 percent year-over-year, while refrigerated ("reefer") vans were up 3.2 percent month-over-month and 8.1 percent year-over-year. 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.