Spot Freight Index Defies Economic News

TransCore's DAT Freight Index, which monitors the spot freight market, continues this year's trend of record same-month freight volumes and a double-digit increase on a year-over-year basis.

July marked the fifth instance of a same-month record in 2012 and the DAT Index outpaced July 2011 levels by 12%, but lagged June 2012 by 20%, says TransCore. The decline follows a consistent pattern seen since the Index began in 1996.

Truckload freight rates on the spot market also followed historic, seasonal patterns, beginning their decline in mid-July.

Rates for dry vans fell 1.4% compared to June, while refrigerated ("reefer") van rates slid 2.8%. Flatbed rates rose in the first half of July before giving back their gains in the second half, resulting in a flat month compared to June.

Despite the month-over-month variances, rates were up from this time last year: 6.8% for vans, 11% for reefers and 3.4% for flatbeds.

Rates are derived from DAT Truckload Rate Index, and do not include fuel surcharges. Spot market rates are paid by brokers and 3PLs to the carrier.

Looking ahead to September, carriers are likely to find relatively high freight volumes and a favorable ratio of outbound loads emerging in the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.

Story by truckinginfo.com, read more here.

Looking for a Job in Logistics?

Reed Transport, a ReedTMS Company, is looking for talented professionals interested in a career the logistics field.  They’re currently hiring to fill entry-level positions for their office in Brandon, Florida. Reed Transport is a family-owned freight broker and has been in operation since 1996. Reed brokers freight in all transportation markets such as: dry van truckload, flat bed, step deck, over dimensional, reefer and many others.

Available Positions (pulled from the website):

Logistics Coordinator: Responsibilities include regular contact with customers and carriers, continual follow-up on service delivery, data entry and price negotiations. This is an entry-level position; therefore industry experience is not required or expected. The goal of this position is to teach the industry through detailed training, with opportunities to grow into a Senior Logistics Coordinator role or internal/external sales role. Candidate must have the ability to multi-task and possess strong relationship building and people skills. Familiarity with Microsoft and related software is a plus. Bachelor’s degree required.

Carrier Sales: Purpose is to strengthen operational coverage and to provide an account management training ground for future Senior Logistics Coordinator staff. Essential duties & responsibilities include: negotiating with carrier partners, daily load volume coverage targets, creating regular carrier partners, periodic dispatching, check calls & order entry. Will have flexible work hours – Afterhours assignment will periodically occur based on opportunity and coverage need. Should have attention to detail with accuracy, a team-oriented attitude, strong problem solving and analytical skills. Candidate must be goal oriented, self-motivated and possess strong negotiation skills. Outgoing personality and competitive attitude is a must. Familiarity with Microsoft and related software is a plus. Bachelor’s degree required.

Check out the website for more information and to apply. http://www.reedtms.com/Careers-ReedTMSLogistics.php