The September average quote of $50.38 was up year-over-year again this month by $2.67. The deseasonalized average increased dramatically in May and has since stabilized at around $52. This increase is in line with reports that the over fleeting by at least one of the majors has been corrected; we can expect rates to continue at current levels, subject to normal seasonal influences.

The Southeast region is up $10.06 over last year, so Hurricanes Irma and Maria seem to have affected rates in that region. However, the Southwest is only up $1.18; the terrible devastation suffered by Texas did not seem to have a major effect on rates.

Jim Tennant of The Tennant Group and Michael Meyer of Rate-Highway Inc. have been conducting rate surveys on a weekly basis and providing analysis and comments where appropriate. They publish this monthly recap in our electronic edition and more comprehensive looks in the print editions.