Internet Truckstop, the largest web-based freight matching service in the transportation industry reports that the Market Demand Index (MDI) decreased 10% to 11.83 from 13.2 the previous week as reported in the weekly Trans4Cast.

The overall average equipment rate decreased 3% to $2.09 from $2.16 the previous week. Flatbed rates decreased 1% to $1.96 from $1.98 the previous week. Reefer rates decreased 6% to $2.16 from $2.30 the previous week. Specialized truck rates decreased 3% to $2.41 from $2.49 the previous week. Van rates decreased 2% to $1.82 from $1.86 the previous week.

"The economic climate remains tumultuous for trucking. On Friday, the Census Bureau reported that August retail sales increased nearly 1% from July, while the Federal Reserve reported that manufacturing activity shed 0.7% over the same period. Trucking activity should be seasonally strong through November, but broader instability continues to temper volumes and rates."

Jeremy West, Internet Truckstop Economist

About Internet Truckstop

Founded in 1995, Internet Truckstop is the first and largest freight matching service on the web. Internet Truckstop offers more tools than any other freight matching service available. These easy-to-use tools, the largest freight database, and a commitment to the transportation industry make Internet Truckstop the leader in Internet freight matching.

About Trans4Cast powered by Internet Truckstop

Trans4Cast is the compilation of highly relevant data, easily accessible to all trucking professionals. The Market Demand Index (MDI), a measure of relative truck demand, is culled from Internet Truckstop data. Internet Truckstop compiles this weekly report that will assist in making critical business decisions. The report is now a web series with a news anchor and appears as the Industry Economic Update on BigTruckTV.com, Internet Truckstop, and Truckload Carriers Association. The show is produced bi-weekly and can be accessed online 24/7. Jeremy West is the economic consultant preparing this report. He holds a bachelor of science in Economics, with minor degrees in Business and Creative Studies, from Texas A&M University, where he is currently completing a doctorate in Economics. For more information on Trans4Cast, please contact Roxanne Bullard at 1-800-203-2540 ext. 6230.