(Beaverton, OR) Spot market freight availability continued to be strong in November, when volume increased 17 percent compared to the same month in 2013, according to the DAT North American Freight Index. On a month-over-month basis, volume declined in a typical seasonal pattern, dropping 15 percent compared to October.

Freight volume increased for the three major equipment types, compared to November 2013: van demand rose 44 percent, while freight availability increased 29 percent for refrigerated (“reefer”) trailers and 13 percent for flatbeds, year over year. Truckload rates also increased for all three equipment types: Van rates rose 16 percent, reefer rates rose 24 percent, and flatbeds added 15 percent, compared to November 2013.

Compared to October, freight volume increased 8.6 percent for reefers, but van freight availability dipped 3.6 percent, and flatbed demand dropped a full 34 percent. Rates rose 6.1 percent for reefers, and 3.2 percent for vans, while flatbed rates slipped2.1 percent.

Reference rates are derived from DAT RateView. Rates are cited for line haul only, excluding fuel surcharges, which declined on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis. The monthly DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on the DAT Network of load boards in the United States and Canada. Additional trends and analysis are available at DAT Trendlines.