Trans4Cast Powered by Internet Truckstop Market Demand Index (MDI) Increases 7%

NEW PLYMOUTH, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Internet Truckstop, the largest web-based freight matching service in the transportation industry reports that the Market Demand Index (MDI) increased 7% to 12.96 from 12.14 the previous week as reported in the weekly Trans4Cast.

The overall average equipment rate increased 4% to $2.17 from $2.10 the previous week. Flatbed rates remained unchanged at $2.01 from the previous week. Reefer rates increased 3% to $2.21 from $2.14 the previous week. Specialized truck rates increased 4% to $2.54 from $2.45 the previous week. Van rates increased 7% to $1.92 from $1.79 the previous week.

"The flat-line trend for trucking metrics broke this week, with volumes and rates moving significantly to the upside. This improvement in loads is partly seasonal, but is also attributable to a mildly improving economic climate. However, the overall economic outlook for trucking remains relatively weak, supporting expectations of moderate but unimpressive growth for the sector across the second half of 2012," said Jeremy West, Internet Truckstop Economist.

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.

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.