Flatbed rates remain off the charts, but the most prevalent story in the market right now is the upcoming Roadcheck, a.k.a. the annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), that will be held in two weeks (June 5th – 7th). During this time, there will be tens of thousands of inspections performed on commercial vehicles. Historically, Read more…

With produce season in full swing, we’re seeing tight capacity across the board, especially out the South East. Reefer rates are on the rise due to produce while flatbed rates took a slight dip after record highs due to peak season for construction and building products. Spot Market Trends ELD Hits Flatbed the Hardest In Read more…

Overall capacity remains tight as we head into peak produce season. Heavy hauling and construction freight prices are through the roof as flatbed demand hits a record high of 111 loads per available truck. Spot Market Trends Rising Demand for Flatbed Trailers Skyrocketing demand for flatbed trailers has brought the flatbed load-to-truck ratio to over Read more…

Rates remain steady as April comes to a close, however overall volume is beginning to grow as we see seasonal spikes from produce and construction. Spot Market Trends Diesel Fuel Price Trends Shippers are seeing a hit to their bottom line as their transportation spend increases, partly due to the rising cost of employees. The Read more…

Van and reefer rates took a slight dip this week while flatbed rates climbed to a new record high. Winter weather in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest have caused a delay in the usually booming produce season. Expect to see an increase in fuel surcharge costs as the recent spike in diesel prices Read more…

The van load-to-truck ratio fell 11% last week to 6.6 loads per truck. This dip is consistent with seasonal trends, however capacity remains at historically low levels. Cass reported in March that their TL Linehaul Index has not only been positive now for twelve months in a row, but pricing for trucking continues to gain Read more…

Spot market rates remain high as we enter April. Rates typically rise as we enter April and spring produce and home improvement seasons, but average spot rates remain 30 to 40 cents per mile higher than 2017. Truckload capacity continues to tighten, likely exacerbated by the first week of trucks being taken off the road Read more…

Capacity remains tight in certain markets such as Georgia and South Texas. Most recent reports still show capacity remaining tight relative to demand for the foreseeable future. The driver pool continues to shrink due to more favorable employment alternatives. Spot Market Trends Carrier ELD Compliance by Fleet Type Source: CarrierLists

Analysts project that the gap between 2017 and 2018 spot rates will narrow in the third and fourth quarters.  This does not signify a reduction for this year as much as it shows when rates began to skyrocket last year.  Continued tight capacity also means unanticipated network disruptions like major weather events won’t be easily Read more…

We are seeing contractual rate increases still somewhat muted at 3% to 4%, but primary carrier acceptance has been low for this time of year. Carriers are still moving capacity to take advantage of the better paying spot market. The current concern is how many carriers may drop out of the industry after April 1, Read more…