PORTLAND, OR — TransCore’s DAT North American Freight Index achieved record freight volume in May when it surpassed the record set in April by 1.7 percent. And last year’s record is forgotten in the dust because the record set in May is 25 percent higher.

Truckload freight rates increased seasonally on the spot market in May for all three major equipment types. Compared to April, rates for dry vans increased by 2.2 percent, flatbed rates increased by 1.8 percent and refrigerated van rates increased by 7.2 percent. When compared to May 2011, spot market rates increased 3 percent for vans, 0.6 percent for flatbeds and 1.9 percent for refrigerated vans or reefers.

Looking ahead to July, carriers are likely to find relatively high freight volumes and a favorable ratio of outbound loads in California and in the Southeast, most notably in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas.

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