Spot truckload volumes and rates saw declines in August on the heels of a tariff-driven pull-forward of imports, according to the new edition of the DAT Truckload Volume Index, which was released today by DAT Freight and Analytics. It measures dry van, refrigerated (reefer), and flatbed trucks moved by truckload carriers. It also noted that August freight volumes were softer than usual, especially for van loads, coupled with the Van TVI turning in its lowest reading for the month of August since 2021. “Dry van contract rates have not moved by more than $0.01, for the most part, over the last year-and-a-half [sequentially],” he said. From a seasonal perspective, he observed that at the end of August the spot market gets busier, with some Peak Season retail pull-forward and late back-to-school activity.