According to a release from FTR, data from Truckstop and FTR Transportation Intelligence for the week ended August 30 show sharp increases in broker-posted spot rates for refrigerated van and dry van equipment during the week before Labor Day.
“Strong gains for both equipment types are the norm during the run-up to the holiday, but recent weeks have seen rates lagging seasonal expectations a bit,” the release stated. “Refrigerated van spot rates surged by the most for the week before Labor Day since at least 2008. Dry van spot rates were not as strong in relation to historical performance but rose by the most week over week since International Roadcheck week in May. However, flatbed spot rates were down for an 11th straight week to their lowest level since July 2020. The current week (the week including Labor Day) is neither reliably strong nor reliably weak historically, although dry van spot rates usually decline week over week.”
The increase in total load postings was the first in five weeks. Coupled with a sizable drop in truck postings, the Market Demand Index increased to 57.4, which is the highest level in four weeks.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
