Hot Spots: Top-Gaining Freight Markets
Vans - updated May 7
- NATIONAL TRENDS: Van rates increased 0.6% in top markets nationwide over the last week
- MARKETS TRENDING UP: Rates increased the most in Philadelphia, up 3.7% over the week. Memphis rates increased by 3.2%, after a few weeks of downward trends. Stockton and Buffalo also saw improved rates, up 2.4% and 2.3% respectively. Six of the top 13 van markets show positive rate trends over the last 4 weeks
- LANES TRENDING UP: Memphis to Columbus gained $0.31 (16.3%) to $2.21 per mile. Charlotte to Philadelphia also saw a rate bump, up $0.24 (9.9%) to $2.67 per mile. Columbus to Memphis jumped $0.18 (11.7%) to $1.72 per mile, a reasonable rate moving into the Memphis market
- MARKETS TRENDING DOWN: Seattle rates lost 3.6%, the largest rate decline among top markets last week. Denver saw the largest dip in freight availability among top markets, accompanied by a 2.7% decrease in outbound rates. Seven of the top 13 van markets are trending down over the last 4 weeks, while Atlanta remains neutral
- BEST LANES: Chicago to Buffalo jumped another $0.16 to $2.74 last week, a total $0.39 increase over two weeks. Stockton to Portland paid a high $2.53 per mile out West. Memphis to Dallas rates are up to $2.36 per mile
Reefers - updated May 7
- NATIONAL TRENDS: Reefer rates increased 3.1% in top markets nationwide over the last week
- MARKETS TRENDING UP: Rates increased the most in Lakeland and Miami, up 16.5% and 15.3% respectively over the week. Ten other markets also saw rates increase, as we move into the harvest season, including Salt Lake City, up 8.8%, Phoenix, up 5.9%, and Green Bay, up 5.3%
- LANES TRENDING UP: Lakeland to Charlotte gained $0.63 (44%) to $2.06 per mile, and will likely continue to increase. Miami to Elizabeth also saw a large rate increase, up $0.45 (21%) to $2.55 per mile. Green Bay to Philadelphia jumped $0.40 (15.7%) to $2.94 per mile on increased dairy shipments
- MARKETS TRENDING DOWN: Ontario rates dropped 3.5% last week, the largest decrease among top markets. Twin Falls was the only other declining market, outbound rates dipping 0.5%. Five of the top 14 reefer markets are still trending down over a 4 week period, likely a factor of late winter weather
- BEST LANES: Green Bay to Philadelphia paid $2.94 per mile last week, after a rate bump. Florida is also shaping up, rates from Lakeland to Brooklyn reaching $2.76
Flatbeds - updated April 30
- NATIONAL TRENDS: Flatbed rates increased 1.3% in top markets nationwide over the last week
- MARKETS TRENDING UP: Rates increased the most in Houston, up 6.9% over the week. Birmingham rates also improved, up 4.4%. Rock Island rounded out the top 3, with a 3.8% gain. Rates in 13 of the top 20 flatbed markets trended up over the past month
- LANES TRENDING UP: Roanoke to Harrisburg gained $0.40 (15.4%) to $2.99 per mile. Houston to Ft. Worth also saw a large rate increase, up $0.26 (11.2%) to $2.58 per mile. Cleveland to Chicago jumped $0.24 (10.8%) to $2.47 per mile
- MARKETS TRENDING DOWN: Pittsburgh rates dropped 5.3% last week, the largest decrease among top markets. Raleigh rates dropped 4.7%, as demand dipped in the market, while Harrisburg lost 4.2%.
- BEST LANES: Northeastern lane Baltimore to Springfield paid $3.99 per mile last week, to account for operating costs. In other regions, Memphis to Tulsa paid $2.84 per mile, while Rock Island to Kansas City paid $2.71
Source: DAT