DAT Index shows September set record

PORTLAND, Ore. – The spot market freight index hit another record last month.

According to the DAT North American Freight Index, September 2014 experienced a 32 percent increase versus September 2013. Compared with the previous year, US freight volume rose for all three equipment categories with dry vans up 42%, reefer freight up 24% and flatbed volume growing 46%. The figures represent the 14th consecutive month over-over year-increases.

The truckload spot market rates also increased for all three types of equipment. Van rates were up 15%, and reefer and flatbed rates were both 16% higher.

While overall freight availability did decline 5.5% in September when compared with August, DAT Solutions says that is a “typical seasonal trend.” Using August 2014’s numbers as a reference, September’s freight volume for vans increased 3.0% but fell 4.1% for reefers and 12%for flatbeds. Van rates increased 2.0% and reefer rates rose 2.8% while flatbed rates slipped 2.1% month over month.