The spot to contract linehaul spread (or RATES) is the difference between the initially reported dry van contract rate per mile (VCRPM1) and the FreightWaves National Truckload Index – Linehaul Only (NTIL).
Here is the formula: FreightWaves National Truckload Index (Linehaul only) minus the Initially Reported Dry Van Contract Rate
Analysts can use RATES to understand how pricing behaviors are changing. This will allow for understanding of the direction that contract prices are going to face, which can in turn affect revenue estimates for truckload carriers, which primarily operate in the contract market.
Carriers can use RATES to determine if the optionality that spot market provides is worth rejecting contracted volume. When RATES.USA turns positive, spot market pricing is at a premium to current contract rates, allowing for carriers to shop the spot market for more favorable rates. When RATES.USA is deeply negative, spot market rates are operating at a discount to contract rates, an indication that carriers should limit spot market activity.
Brokers: Understanding RATES.USA is paramount to a broker’s business. The spread between contract and spot rates is the spread between a broker’s “buy” and “sell” price. When RATES.USA is deeply negative, brokers “buy” rate, the rate at which capacity is purchased is much lower than the “sell” rate, which they charge customers, thus wider gross margins. When RATES.USA is positive (or slightly negative), the “buy” rate is much closer to the “sell” rate and sometimes above it, thus margins are squeezed.
Shippers: RATES.USA can be used for multiple purposes. When RATES.USA is deeply negative, strategically placing freight in the spot market can allow for cost savings compared to contract rates. At the same time, it is a signal of downward pressure on contract rates. When RATES.USA is positive, shippers should avoid the spot market and expect that contract rates are going to move higher if the index is positive for an extended period of time.
On the surface, RATES provides a snapshot of which direction pricing is heading in the freight market. The spread typically operates within a range of negative 30 cents per mile and negative 50 cents per mile. The RATES index can only move if either one, or both, of the following happen: contract rates increase/decrease or spot rates increase/decrease.
The Spot to Contract Linehaul Spread can be broken down into the following indices:
SONAR Ticker: RATES12.USA
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