The capacity dynamics (number of loads versus trucks available to take them) on the spot market were most in truckers’ favor for van freight last week in DAT’s network of load boards in parts of California and Texas, the company notes, among other specifics about the national and local van markets included below. The three graphs look more closely at van for a “trend of the week” we’ll continue to highlight in the coming weeks.
Meantime, what are you seeing out there?
This “hot states” map is based on the week of July 5-11. Los Angeles, Stockton and the Central California coast are busy, as is Houston and the Mexican border-crossing areas in Arizona and Texas. Capacity was also tight last week in Shreveport, La.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Decatur, Ala. The darker red areas indicate statewide load-to-truck ratios that are well above the week’s national average of 2.0 loads per truck, as recorded on DAT load boards.
Outbound van rates from Los Angeles rose 2 cents per mile last week, while Houston and Columbus added 3 cents a piece. Outbound rates from Buffalo, N.Y., got a 5-cent boost. According to DAT numbers, rates trended down in most other large U.S. freight markets, however, as a seasonal transition is underway. If the typical trends recur this year, rates in the Southeast will continue to drift down, and rate pressure can be expected to shift to the central and upper Midwest in the coming weeks.
Charlotte, N.C., to Buffalo, N.Y., for van owner-operators looks hot (with a $2.67 average rate), but the return lane shows only $1.67. The roundtrip average of $2.14 per mile, or $2,825 for all loaded miles, can be boosted, DAT data shows, by by fitting two legs into your return schedule from Buffalo to Harrisburg, Penn. Rates are lower in Harrisburg, but if you get close to $3 per mile on the first leg, you’ll be able to accept a lower rate from Harrisburg to Charlotte. Based on last week’s average rates, you’ll boost your revenue to $2.29 per loaded mile, adding $437 in revenue, for a total of $3,262 on the three-legged trip.All spot market rate averages highlighted for the week are derived from DAT RateView, and are based on actual rate agreements between freight brokers and carriers. Reference rates include fuel surcharges but not accessorial or other fees.
