While national average rates held steady for vans, reefers and flatbeds last week, according to DAT, an increase in the load-to-truck ratios for vans and reefers particularly indicates that rates on average could rise this week as the second quarter ends today and a holiday weekend begins.
The three-day turn between Charlotte and Buffalo saw rates rise in both directions between to an average $1.95/mile on that 1,300-mile roundtrip. The outbound leg from Charlotte is averaging best currently. The return is ripe for splitting with two loads.
You have lots of choices leaving Buffalo for a third leg, including destinations in Virginia and Maryland. For an example, a load from Buffalo to Baltimore, then Baltimore back to Charlotte, based on last week’s averages, would add just 126 miles but you make 15 cents more per mile for all miles. This scenario adds $460 to your trip in total, and could help fill out a third day of travel. Examine the details in the chart below.