Truckload Spot Rates Rise Across Van, Reefer and Flatbed Markets

Truckload spot rates increased across dry van, refrigerated and flatbed equipment for the first time since May, according to weekly market reports summarized by FleetOwner on September 11. FTR Transportation Intelligence said the overall broker-posted rate gained just over 9 cents, the largest increase for the comparable week since 2021 while still falling within approximate seasonal expectations.

Dry van spot rates rose by more than 9 cents in FTR's measure and were nearly 39% above the year-earlier level, even as posted loads declined 4.2%. DAT Freight & Analytics reported national dry van linehaul rates up 2 cents to $2.21 per mile. Reefer rates gained more than 13 cents in FTR's data after a nearly 16-cent increase the prior week; DAT placed the national reefer linehaul average at $2.74, up 5 cents.

Flatbed produced a more mixed signal. FTR recorded an increase of almost 3 cents, ending 12 weeks of declines, while flatbed loads dropped nearly 10%. DAT's flatbed linehaul average eased 1 cent to $2.66. The two services use different datasets and rate definitions, so their numbers should be tracked consistently rather than blended into one benchmark.

For carriers, stronger prices alongside lower posted volumes may reflect seasonal pressure and available capacity more than a broad demand surge. Dispatchers should compare lane-level rates with deadhead, fuel, detention and repositioning costs before accepting a load. Owner-operators can improve decisions by separating linehaul from fuel surcharge and recording the source and date of every benchmark. One broad weekly gain is encouraging, but several weeks of volume, rejection and rate data are needed before calling it a durable market turn.