Spot Truckload Freight Rates Level Off Following Gains, Declines

Spot truckload freight rates appear to have stabilized after flatbeds trended slightly higher the past few weeks while vans and reefers moved downward, according to new figures from the freight matching service provider DAT Solutions.

This also happened as overall freight volume also steadied for the week ending Feb. 18, as the number of available loads increased 4% and truck capacity fell 1.2% compared to the previous week.

The national average flatbed rate was unchanged at $1.96 per mile, but still 5 cents higher than three weeks earlier. Both vans and reefers each declined 1 cent from the week before, coming in at a national average of $1.62 per mile and $1.88 per mile, respectively. Compared to three weeks earlier vans are down 7 cents per mile and reefers lost 9 cents.

All reported rates include fuel surcharges. The average price of on-highway diesel edged up a penny to $2.57 per gallon last week.

With little change in rates, load-to-truck ratios were up, but only a little for each trailer type last week:

The number of van load posts increased 3% last week while van posts dipped 1%. While the national average van rate fell, 46 of the top 100 van lanes had higher rates last week compared to 41 that paid less. Thirteen lanes were neutral. Average outbound rates in major markets were mixed:

Several van lanes fell due to an influx of reefer capacity, according to DAT, as low demand in the reefer market had ...Read the rest of this story

International Truck Receives NJPA Contract

Photo: International Truck

International Truck has been awarded a contract by the National Joint Powers Alliance that will offer new International Class 6, 7, and 8 chassis to more than 50,000 NJPA members in the U.S. and Canada.

NJPA is a public agency that establishes alliances between buyers and suppliers for use by education, government, and non-profit entities. Through NJPA, members have access to pre-negotiated pricing and terms that streamline the purchasing process to save on costs and time.

NJPA members will be able to use the program to shop for Class 6, 7, and 8 trucks at International Dealer locations in the U.S. The International Truck contract (081716-NVS) with NJPA is in effect until Nov. 15, 2020.

“Through this program, municipalities and government agencies in search of solutions to meet their business needs can order International trucks without having to spend time and money to go through a bid process,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Navistar.

“This joint enterprise with NJPA represents an exceptional opportunity for these customers to purchase our lineup of severe- and medium-duty trucks, including International's flagship HX Series and the reliable and versatile WorkStar and DuraStar models," he added,

Related: Quick Spin: International LT625

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Sprinter Vans Recalled for Air Bag Control Unit

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

Daimler Vans USA is recalling 15,338 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans in the 2013-2016 model years to address an air bag issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

The vehicles were manufactured without a reinforcement plate and protective bracket on the air bag control unit. As a result, the air bag control unit may stop functioning after an initial impact, possibly preventing additional air bags from deploying in response to a secondary impact, according to NHTSA.

DVUSA dealers will install a reinforcement plate and protective bracket around the air bag control unit to fix the problem. There will be no charge for this service.

Van owners can reach DVUSA customer service at (877) 762-8267.

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Truck-Lite Names Vice President of Sales

John Cecco Photo: Truck-Lite

Commercial vehicle lighting company Truck-Lite has named John Cecco the new vice president of sales at the company.

In addition to aftermarket sales, Cecco will oversee Truck-Lite's customer service, pricing, and forecasting departments after the retirement of Bob Ives, former vice president of business development.

Cecco was previously the vice president of operations at Truck-Lite, with over 13 years of experience with the company. His product understanding, manufacturing background and customer service experience with original equipment customers will assist him in his new position, according to Truck-Lite.

"With Truck-Lite's continued growth in OE forward lighting, we recognized the need for increased efforts in the aftermarket to balance the business. As a result, we've expanded, restructured and refocused our direct sales team," said Cecco. "We're in a better position than ever to serve our end users, such as fleets, as well as our OE and aftermarket customers."

Related: Truck-Lite Releases New 4-inch Combination Lamp

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