The flatbed spot rates market continues to show strong momentum, reaching its highest levels since 2022. According to recent data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics, flatbed freight rates and volumes increased again last week. Meanwhile, dry van and refrigerated segments experienced modest week-over-week declines. Nevertheless, overall spot market conditions remain stronger than in recent years. Although some equipment segments softened slightly, the flatbed segment continues to support the broader spot market. In fact, flatbed demand has steadily increased for several weeks, suggesting that certain sectors of the freight economy are gaining strength. Overall Spot Market Trends Across the three primary equipment segments—dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed—spot rates remain significantly stronger compared with the same period in previous years. According to FTR, overall broker-posted spot rates increased 4 cents per mile last week. Consequently, gains in the flatbed segment more than offset declines in the dry van and refrigerated markets. Furthermore, analysts note that even though weekly decreases occurred in some segments, pricing levels remain elevated compared with historical averages. Therefore, despite short-term fluctuations, the trucking spot market continues to show resilience. Dry Van Rates and Volumes The dry van segment recorded another small weekly decline. However, the market still shows strength when viewed from a longer-term perspective. According to FTR: Average dry van spot rates decreased 3.6 cents per mile last week Nevertheless, rates remain 19% higher than the same week last year Dry van load volumes declined 4.6% overall, although volumes increased regionally in the Southeast Similarly, DAT reported comparable trends: National linehaul spot rates fell 2 cents per mile, averaging just under $2.00 per mile This marked the fourth consecutive weekly decline of 2 cents Even so, dry van rates remain 22% higher than last year Therefore, although the segment has cooled slightly in recent weeks, dry van freight continues to perform better than it did during much of the previous year. Refrigerated Freight Shows Similar Movement Refrigerated freight followed a similar pattern. Weekly spot rates declined slightly; however, year-over-year comparisons remain strong. According to FTR: Reefer spot rates fell 4.4 cents per mile week over week However, rates are still 26% higher than last year Refrigerated load volumes declined 2.4% overall At the same time, certain regions experienced… [TheTopNews] Read More.
2 days ago
