The U.S. freight market has demonstrated remarkable vitality following the Thanksgiving holiday, with data revealing significant growth across all major equipment types. This surge reflects both seasonal consumer demand and broader economic recovery trends.
Market Overview: Record-Breaking Numbers
According to DAT Freight & Analytics' DAT One network, the truckload spot market experienced explosive growth during December 1-6. The period saw 2.18 million freight orders posted—a staggering 114% increase from the previous week. This represents the highest weekly volume recorded since the week preceding July 4th holiday.
While DAT notes that comparing full-week data to the abbreviated Thanksgiving week may amplify percentage differences, the magnitude of growth remains historically significant. Concurrently, available truck capacity reached 266,747 listings, a 19% week-over-week increase that nonetheless failed to match demand growth.
Equipment-Specific Analysis
Dry Vans
- Freight volume: 1.14 million loads (+108%)
- Available trucks: 175,497 (+20.7%)
- Linehaul rate: $1.72/mile (+$0.01)
- Load-to-truck ratio: 6.5 (up from 3.8)
Reefer Trailers
- Freight volume: 483,159 loads (+117.5%)
- Available trucks: 55,749 (+11.3%)
- Linehaul rate: $2.05/mile (steady)
- Load-to-truck ratio: 8.7 (up from 4.4)
Flatbeds
- Freight volume: 561,113 loads (+123.1%)
- Available trucks: 35,501 (+25.2%)
- Linehaul rate: $1.97/mile (-$0.01)
- Load-to-truck ratio: 15.8 (up from 8.9)
Expert Perspectives
Dean Croke, DAT iQ industry analyst, observed: "The national average dry van linehaul rate rose to $1.72 per mile—7 cents higher than last year but 8 cents below 2022 levels. The top 50 dry van lanes averaged $2.06 per mile, 34 cents above the national average."
Croke highlighted growing Mexican agricultural imports entering through Texas' Pharr International Bridge, with McAllen reefer volumes up 34% year-over-year. Approximately one-third of McAllen shipments serve the Dallas-Fort Worth market, where volumes increased 32% annually while rates held steady at $2.60/mile.
DAT Chief Analyst Ken Adamo cautioned about distinguishing seasonal influences from macroeconomic factors: "We're seeing the first signs of sustained momentum, but January 15 typically marks when markets return to seasonal dormancy. The question remains whether current dynamics represent temporary seasonality or lasting recovery."
Market Drivers and Considerations
Several factors contribute to the post-holiday surge:
- Retail inventory replenishment following Black Friday sales
- Ongoing supply chain realignments
- Persistent driver shortages constraining capacity
- Increased Mexican agricultural imports
- Potential pre-holiday demand pull-forward
The market faces uncertainties including inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and potential regulatory changes. Technological advancements—from digital freight platforms to emerging autonomous vehicle technologies—continue reshaping industry dynamics.
Strategic Implications
Industry participants should monitor:
- Regional demand variations, particularly in Texas border markets
- Post-holiday demand sustainability through January
- Equipment-specific capacity constraints
- Fuel price volatility impacts on operating costs
While current indicators suggest robust market conditions, the freight industry's cyclical nature warrants cautious optimism as 2024 approaches.