Spot Market Results for Week 34: Holiday Makes Rates Climb

Spot Market Results: Van Rates Jump Ahead of Labor Day

Spot Market Overview for Week 34

The spot market data from FTR showed strong gains in the week ending August 29. Broker-posted rates in the Truckstop system climbed for dry van and refrigerated freight. These increases followed seasonal trends as the industry moved into the Labor Day holiday period.

Dry van rates reached their highest level in seven weeks. Refrigerated rates were the highest since early 2025, except for the mid-year peak. Calendar differences between 2024 and 2025 slightly exaggerate year-over-year comparisons, but the market momentum is clear.

Total Market Activity

Overall spot market activity improved during the final week of August. Total loads increased 1.2%, reversing the prior week’s decline. Volume was 29% higher than the same week in 2024, though a calendar adjustment shows an increase closer to 22%.

Truck postings dropped 2.2%. This pushed the Market Demand Index, the ratio of loads to trucks, to its highest level in seven weeks. The total broker-posted spot rate rose by nearly two cents, marking only the second weekly gain in eight weeks.

Dry Van Spot Market Trends

Dry van rates rose sharply, climbing seven cents. They are now 5.7% higher than the same week in 2024, or about 2% higher when adjusted for timing. Dry van loads jumped 5.9%, with total volume about 19% above last year’s level, or 10% higher after adjustment.

This surge reflects normal holiday demand. Rates are expected to soften slightly in September before firming again ahead of the fall shipping season.

Refrigerated Spot Market Sees Sharp Gains

The refrigerated spot market saw a jump of more than 15 cents, with rates over 10% higher year-over-year. Adjusted figures put the increase closer to 5%. Refrigerated loads grew 8.5%, but total volume was about 7% lower compared to last year when adjusting for calendar shifts.

Flatbed Spot Market Remains Weak

Flatbed rates slipped again, falling 1.4 cents for the eighth straight week. This pattern is typical for late summer. Rates remain nearly 4% above the same 2024 week but are 5% below the five-year average. Flatbed loads fell 2.8%, though volumes remain significantly higher than last year.

August Market Recap

August brought mixed results for the spot market. Early in the month, van and reefer rates showed steady increases. By mid-month, refrigerated rates rose for three straight weeks, while flatbed rates continued a slow decline.

The final two weeks of August marked a turning point. Dry van and refrigerated rates both surged heading into Labor Day, reflecting strong seasonal shipping needs. Flatbed rates continued to slide but stayed well above 2024 levels.

Overall, August demonstrated solid demand and pricing power in the van and reefer segments. Flatbed trends remained weak but predictable for this time of year.

Outlook for the Spot Market

The spot market will likely cool slightly in September after the holiday rush. However, strong retail and manufacturing freight in the fourth quarter could push rates higher again.

Seasonal changes and fuel prices will play a large role in upcoming rate trends. Carriers should prepare for stable to firm demand heading into the fall season.