Oct 15, 2012 10:46 AM

TransCore’s DAT North American Freight Index reports a softer spot market in September 2012. The monthly DAT North American Freight Index reflects spot market freight availability on TransCore DAT’s network of load boards in the United States and Canada.

The seasonal decline in overall freight volume was attributed to a reduction in reefer and flatbed freight availability. Both equipment types experienced a decline month-over-month; however, while flatbed volumes were down compared to the prior year by 13%, reefer freight volumes were actually up 1.1% versus September 2011.

Van freight volume showed modest gains, rising month-over-month as well as year-over-year. The net effect was an overall decline in spot market freight volume of 13% compared with August and 8.4% versus September 2011.

Truckload freight rates on the spot market continued the seasonal decline that began in July, although reefer and flatbed rates were up from September 2011. Reefer rates dipped 1.2% month-over-month but increased 2.5% year-over-year. Flatbed rates dipped 1.1% for the month but rose 1.2% from the same month in 2011. Rates for dry vans declined 1.5% compared with August and 1.5% from September 2011.

Rates are derived from the DAT Truckload Rate Index. They do not include fuel surcharges, which rose in September on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) to the carrier.

TransCore DAT serves brokers, carriers, owner-operators, and shippers. The DAT Network of load boards in the United States has set the industry standard for the spot freight marketplace since 1978. TransCore provides Keypoint transportation software, broker logistics software, fleet compliance, DAT CarrierWatch, automated carrier safety and insurance monitoring, and DAT Truckload Rate Index for spot and contract markets rates.

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