Spot Freight Rates Rise to Record, DAT Reports

Spot market freight activity declined in the holiday week ended July 5, but average dry van rates rose to an all-time high, according to the latest DAT Trendlines report.

National average van rates jumped 7 cents, or 3.4%, to a record $2.15 per mile, DAT reported July 10.

The monthly average van rate rose by 10 cents in June from May, matching the all-time high of $2.08 per mile set in March.

Load availability and truckload capacity were stable, as overall load board activity fell 21% due to the shortened workweek.

Refrigerated rates rose 7 cents per mile, to $2.49, and flatbed rates jumped 10 cents, to $2.54, as shippers rushed to close the fiscal quarter on a high note, DAT said.