PORTLAND, OR — Spot market freight volume and rates in North America both increased last month, according to the DAT North American Freight Index, resulting in the second best June on record.

The 9.0 percent increase in volume, compared to May, was due to seasonal trends that also drove rates up for all equipment types.

By equipment type, June freight volume expanded 8.1 percent month-over-month for vans, 9.7 percent for flatbeds, and 6.6 percent for refrigerated trailers.

Rates on the spot market followed the trends in volume by equipment type, adding 1.3 percent for vans, 0.5 percent for flatbeds, and 2.1 percent for reefers, compared to May.

Last month’s strong volume exceeded same-month totals for all prior years except 2014, as freight availability declined 28 percent compared to last year’s atypical results, according to DAT

Freight volume declined 25 percent for vans and 35 percent for flatbeds, but increased 0.5 percent for reefers, compared to June 2014.

Line haul rates for vans declined 1.3 percent, flatbeds lost 1.6 percent, and reefer rates edged down 0.5 percent year-over-year.

The average total rate paid to carriers declined more steeply for all equipment types, however, due to the drop in fuel prices that led to a 40 percent decline in the fuel surcharge.

The DAT Freight Index is based on loads listed on DAT Solutions’ network of load boards in the U.S. and Canada.