In September, the national average for spot market rates rose 2 percent for both dry vans and refrigerated vans compared with August, according to TransCore’s Truckload Rate Index.
Flatbed rates remained stable month-over-month. Rates appear to be following a more traditional seasonal trend.
Spot market rates were helped by rate improvements for all equipment types on outbound lanes from Chicago and Philadelphia. Chicago lanes benefited from the Great Lakes region produce harvest, which lifted reefer rates. Both key market areas saw van rates rise due to increased consumer goods freight.
By contrast, September rates from Los Angeles declined for all equipment types compared with August. Reduced port activity and produce contributed to the decline. However, assuming historic trends hold, as consumer goods arrive from Asia for the Christmas season, load volumes from Los Angeles are expected to increase with a corresponding increase in rates, TransCore said.
