TransCore sees parallel freight-capacity dip

PORTLAND, Ore. — Extreme weather in key freight markets led to an unusual double dip, according to on TransCore’s DAT Network of load boards.

Both spot market load volume and truck capacity for all equipment types declined in the same week. Typically, the company explains, load and truck volumes move in opposite directions.

Freight volumes for dry vans declined 7.8 percent, as dry van capacity slipped 3.7 percent on the spot market.

Reefer freight dropped 14 percent, attributable to a late and slow start to the spring produce shipping season; while capacity fell 3.5 percent due to weather effects.

Flatbed availability fell 6.2 percent while capacity declined 4.6 percent, compared to the previous week.

The load-to-truck ratio also declined during the week ending April 30, for all equipment types. This was the third week in a row that ratios declined, establishing a trend toward improved balance between supply and demand.

The ratio for reefers fell 11 percent while ratios dipped 4.2 percent for dry vans and 1.6 percent for flatbeds, compared to the previous week, says TransCore.