According to an analysis conducted by DAT, freight rates will continue to increase through the first quarter of 2022. Quoted in The Packer Chris Caplice of DAT noted that strong consumer demand and supply chain bottlenecks coupled with proactive shipping have boosted demand and strained capacity. In September, the DAT Truckload Volume Index was down one percent compared to August but the highest for any September. The index includes dry van, refrigerated and flatbed loads.
The national average rate for van freight increased 9 cents to $2.85 per mile, the fifth consecutive monthly high during 2020. In September 2020, the index was $2.37 per mile. The spot reefer rate was $3.25 per mile up 10 cents from August and 68 cents over September 2020. The spot flatbed rate averaged $3.09 per mile up one cent from August 2020. The national average contract van rate was $2.85 per mile and the contract reefer rate rose to $2.97 per mile.
Highway diesel has increased to $3.38 per gallon representing six consecutive monthly rises. Accordingly, spot and contract rates now include a fuel surcharge.