In tandem with the previous two months of freight data, one form of freight deviates in direction from the others. This month, however, two dropped while only one rose.
The Data
Of the three forms of freight, the largest change happened with dry vans, dropping nine cents to have its rate the lowest since August. It is still well and above the 2020 average for flatbed hauling, and even higher when compared to January 2020.
Reefers also fell, but remain near their peak that occurred in November. Reasons for this may be the need for coronavirus vaccines to remain temperature controlled. For the most conspicuous example, Moderna vaccines need to be kept at temperatures that a standard reefer trailer can provide without modifications or workarounds.
Flatbed hauling increased one cent per mile, continuing to be at its highest rate since mid-2018.
What will happen to rates come February?
