Spot Truckload Volumes End December on Positive Trend

The trucking industry wrapped up 2024 on a positive note, with spot truckload volumes showing a strong recovery in December. According to DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates the DAT One freight marketplace and DAT iQ data analytics service, the van and refrigerated Truckload Volume Index (TVI) increased modestly compared to November, indicating solid retail and grocery sales ahead of the holidays.


The van and refrigerated TVI rose by 2.4% and 3%, respectively, while the flatbed TVI decreased by 5%. Year over year, the van and reefer TVI were up 12% and 20%, respectively, and the flatbed TVI was 7% higher. This trend suggests that the trucking industry is bouncing back from the seasonal depression experienced earlier in the year.

Truckload rates shifted higher in December, with the national average spot rates increasing for all three equipment types:
- Spot van: $2.11 per mile ($1.74 net fuel), up 9 cents compared to November
- Spot reefer: $2.47 ($2.06 net fuel), up 2 cents
- Spot flatbed: $2.39 ($1.94 net fuel), up 2 cents

National average contract van and flatbed rates edged higher last month:
- Contract van rate: $2.42 per mile, up 2 cents
- Contract reefer rate: $2.74 a mile, unchanged
- Contract flatbed rate: $3.06 a mile, up 3 cents

The difference between van and reefer spot and contract rates narrowed for the fourth straight month and was the smallest since March 2022, signaling that capacity is tightening and negotiating power is shifting toward truckload carriers.



As we move into 2025, the trucking industry will continue to monitor the impact of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on tender volumes. In January 2025, the holiday fell earlier in the month compared to 2024, leading to a 4.6% increase in tender volumes. This trend suggests that the holiday's impact on tender volumes can vary depending on its timing.

In conclusion, the positive trend in spot truckload volumes in December 2024 indicates a strong recovery in the trucking industry. As we enter 2025, carriers and shippers alike will continue to monitor market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly to capitalize on the opportunities that arise.