
Truckload linehaul rates paid by North American shippers in June were 5.2% higher than in June of last year, according to the latest Cass Truckload Line Index released Friday.
Truckload linehaul rates paid by North American shippers in June were 5.2% higher than in June of last year, according to the latest Cass Truckload Line Index released Friday.


Truckload linehaul rates paid by North American shippers in June were 5.2% higher than in June of last year, according to the latest Cass Truckload Line Index released Friday.
As demand continues to increase while capacity exits the marketplace, this year’s procurement events and contract negotiations have not, in general, been ending favorably for shippers, according to the investment firm Avondale Partners, which provides analysis of the index
“For the remainder of this year, expect stronger industrial production, increased consumer spending, and the continued recovery in housing to continue to squeeze capacity,” said Avondale.
Meantime, the Cass Intermodal Price Index, also released Friday, fell in June for the second consecutive month.

Although intermodal costs seem to have peaked for this year and have been falling over the last couple of months, they remain considerably high compared to the last several years, according to Avondale.
“On average for 2014, intermodal costs have been up 2.1% year-over-year, with the difference greater in the last three months, partially due to rising diesel costs,” said Avondale. “For the most part though, it’s supply and demand. The Association of American Railroads has reported that U.S. intermodal volumes are up significantly over last year; 9% in April, 8% in May, and 7% in June.”
The Cass Intermodal Price Index is indicator of market fluctuations in per-mile U.S. domestic intermodal costs, that includes all costs associated with the move such as linehaul, fuel and accessorials.
The Cass Truckload Linehaul Index is an indicator of market fluctuations in per-mile truckload pricing that isolates the linehaul component of full truckload costs from other components, such as fuel and accessorials.
Data within both are derived from actual freight invoices paid on behalf of Cass’ clients, which totaled over $23 billion in 2013.

ACT Research data shows volumes hitting a four-year high and supply-demand balance strengthening, but higher oil prices are undercutting tariff relief and tempering optimism.
Read More →
The patent-pending cargo solution integrates a digitally connected cargo door and an intelligent locking system with the TrailerHawk.AI technology platform.
Read More →
The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.
Read More →
Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
Read More →
New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
Read More →
Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
Read More →
DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
Read More →
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →