Market Conditions 3/6/2016-3/12/2016

This week's market presented us with another increase of available loads. Collectively, spot market loads increased 7% with a 3% decrease in truck availability. When taking all averages, reefer rates increased 2% while van rates increased 1% and flatbed rates increased 1% compared to last week's rates. Taking an average of rate points from various metrics, we have found the national average rates to be the following: Reefer: $1.83/mi, Van: $1.60/mi, Flatbed: $1.89/mi.

As seen below, densities overall have increased this week for all three equipment types. We anticipate the Mexican border hubs to continue their increase in freight volume as it seems that the January/February slowdown has ended. Watch for poor weather conditions that cause rates to rise in all regions of the United States during any significant storm.

Refrigerated Freight

The Nogales, AZ market, McAllen/Laredo, TX Market, and Central/South Florida region tightened up drastically towards the end of this week. This was due to a volume spike along with a shortage in capacity. Spot rates responded directly with this trend. The Heartland, South, Midwest regions of the U.S. have higher but still manageable freight volumes again this week. Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Idaho have tighter markets but have continued to slowly loosen up, shipping potatoes, onions and meats. Arkansas, southern Missouri, and southern Illinois are shipping chicken. Southern California has continued its volume increase of citrus and mixed vegetables with spot market rates continuing to climb as well.

Monday:

Friday:

-DAT Power Load to Truck Reefer Densities 3/12/16

The rates below are average direct from customer rates. The bold line is the origin, left column is the destination. The following two columns are weekly ranges from the previous week. The next two columns are this week's ranges and the final column on the right is the percent changes from last week to this week.

-United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Market News https://www.marketnews.usda.gov 3/12/16

Dry Freight

Load availability increased 8% on a national average this week while truck availability decreased 3%. Spot rates have increased in most regions of the United States. Regions of higher freight densities include Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, the Southeast and the Texas Valley.

Monday: