May 23, 2012 9:19 AM

In April 2012, the TransCore DAT North American Freight Index achieved the highest volume in a single month since the index was established in 1996. On a year-over-year basis, volume increased 17% and rose 3.5% compared with March volume.

TransCore’s monthly DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on the company’s network of load boards in the United States and Canada.

Truckload freight rates advanced in April month-over-month, following seasonal patterns on the spot market. Rates for dry vans increased 3.1% over March, flatbed rates gained 4.9%, and refrigerated (reefer) van rates climbed 5.5% from the previous month. Compared with April 2011, spot market rates remained relatively stable, rising 0.1% for vans and 1.2% for flatbeds while rates declined 1.8% for reefers.

Rates are derived from the company’s DAT Truckload Rate Index, and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.