Jun 2, 2011 10:05 AM

TransCore’s Truckload Rate Index recorded a 1.1% increase in refrigerated (reefer) van rates on the spot market in the seven days ending May 25, 2011. The 7% surge in reefer freight volume indicates an uptick in seasonal produce after weeks of weather-related disruptions in the produce market.

Reefer rates from Los Angeles CA recorded the greatest increase, up 3.3% week-on-week, with lanes to Phoenix AZ up 7% and to Chicago IL increasing 6%. Rates in the major produce lane from Orlando FL to Atlanta GA were stable week-on-week, maintaining a 73% gain over the past four weeks. Other notable reefer lanes include Denver CO to Los Angeles, which recorded a 22% increase; and Denver to Dallas TX, up 11%.

Spot market rates are rates paid to the carrier by freight brokers and other intermediaries.

TransCore’s truckload rate trend of the week is derived from the company’s Truckload Rate Index, based on $4 billion in actual invoices updated daily for reefers, vans, and flatbeds across the United States and Canada. The truckload rate trend of the week is a feature of TransCore Trendlines, published weekly with key indicators from TransCore’s US Freight Index. The index is based on more than 60 million loads and trucks listed annually by freight brokers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), shippers, and carriers across the United States. TransCore Trendlines also includes industry data from the American Trucking Associations and the US Department of Energy.

Access www.transcore.com for more information.