Spot freight rates showed mixed movement across the trucking market last week. However, flatbed rates reached their highest level since April 2025, signaling stronger activity in that segment. According to new data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics, spot rates and load volumes increased across several equipment types, while year-over-year comparisons continue to show stronger pricing than last year. Overall, the spot market reflects shifting freight demand as capacity tightens in some areas and seasonal factors influence freight flows. In addition, analysts noted that winter weather in the Northeast temporarily boosted freight demand in certain regions. However, researchers expect weather impacts to fade as the season changes. Spot Freight Rates Show Strong Year-Over-Year Gains Across the three primary equipment segments—dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed—spot rates remain significantly higher compared to the same period last year. This suggests that the freight market continues to stabilize after a prolonged downturn. Although weekly rate changes varied by equipment type, overall pricing remains elevated year over year. As a result, carriers may see improving opportunities if freight demand continues to strengthen throughout the year. Dry Van Rates and Volumes Dry van freight showed modest improvements last week. According to FTR: Spot rates increased by nearly 1 cent per mile week over week Rates are 20% higher compared to the same week last year Dry van load volumes increased 1.7% Meanwhile, DAT reported slightly different weekly movement. According to its data, national linehaul spot rates for dry vans declined $0.02 per mile, averaging $2.02 per mile. However, despite the small weekly drop, dry van rates still remain 24% higher than last year, indicating continued recovery in the segment. Refrigerated Rates and Volumes Refrigerated freight showed rising demand, although spot pricing moved slightly lower during the week. According to FTR: Reefer spot rates fell 3.6 cents week over week However, rates remain about 27% higher year over year Refrigerated load volumes increased 6.1% Similarly, DAT reported that national refrigerated linehaul rates dropped $0.05 per mile, averaging $2.41 per mile. Even with this weekly decline, reefer rates are still 27% higher than the same time last year, which reflects stronger seasonal demand compared with 2025. Flatbed Rates Reach a New High for the Year Flatbed freight showed the strongest momentum in the latest weekly report. According to FTR: Flatbed spot rates increased nearly 7 cents week over week … [TheTopNews] Read More.
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