Indicators: Spot market rates recede in February from January high marks

Per-mile rates eased in February on the spot market, according to monthly rates data from Truckstop.com, dipping from record high averages set in January.

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Flatbed was the lone standout, climbing 5 cents a mile to $2.49, likely due to warmer temperatures later in the month driving demand for flatbed loads. Compared to February 2017, flatbed rates were up 44 cents a mile on the spot market, according to Truckstop.com data.

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Reefer rates, remaining strong, tumbled 32 cents a mile from January’s record $2.80 a mile average. Per-mile reefer rates were up 37 cents from February 2017.

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Van rates fell 18 cents a mile from January, averaging $2.36 in February and up 53 cents a mile compared to the same month last year.