The end of winter brought with it a much needed end to another cold spell: Per mile spot market rates for van, reefer and flatbed loads.
According to data from Internet Truckstop this week, all three segments saw a good boost in March, presumably as housing starts continue to surge and as warmer weather in some parts of the country brought on stronger demand for goods from consumers.
Rates had been on decline since November, when van and reefer rates leapt, being driven by increases in retail and grocery stocking in preparation for Christmas and New Year’s.
Van rates have plummeted since, falling 30 cents in the three-month period. Reefer rates saw a similar decline, falling 32 cents. Flatbed rates have been stable, but flat since early 2011.
In March, however, flatbed rose 7 cents to $2.02 per mile, while van rose 16 cents to $1.82 and reefer jumped 17 cents $2.05 per mile.
Here’s a chart with rates dating back to June 2010: