Volume in the latest week was about 32% above the same 2020 week and about 162% above the five-year average (2015-2019). While load postings were up modestly from the prior week, truck postings declined nearly 1%. The Market Demand Index – the ratio of loads to trucks in the Truckstop.com system – rose to its highest level since the end of June. The MDI was higher week over week in all segments.
Dry van load postings increased 6.3% after the prior week’s 23.9% rebound from the holiday. Volume was at its highest level since mid-May when the market was still working through issues associated with the International Roadcheck inspection event. Load postings were about 31% above the same 2020 week and about 157% above the five-year average for the week.
Refrigerated load volume was basically unchanged in the latest week after rising 22.3% during the prior week. Load postings remained nearly 15% below week 35’s record level. Refrigerated volume was about 73% higher than the same week last year and about 174% above the five-year average.
Flatbed load postings rose 6.5% after jumping nearly 30% during the week following the holiday week. Volume was at its strongest level since early August. Flatbed volume was about 35% higher than the same week last year and about 173% higher than the five-year average.
The broker-posted rate per mile excluding fuel surcharges declined by about 1 cent for the third straight decrease. Rates were about 17% higher than the same 2020 week, which was the same comparison recorded in the prior week. Dry van rates were down about 3 cents and were about 11% higher than rates in the same week last year. Refrigerated rates fell nearly 5 cents and were about 27% higher than the same 2020 week. Flatbed rates were basically unchanged and were about 16% higher than the same week last year.