Latest Spot Market Results: Rates Rise for All Equipment

Spot Market Rates Rise Across All Equipment Types in Week 17

The spot market posted another strong week as broker-posted freight rates climbed across all major equipment types during the week ending May 1. Total broker-posted spot rates in the system reached a new all-time high, while dry van, reefer, and flatbed rates all moved higher.

Even though overall load activity dipped slightly week over week, rates continued to climb. Seasonal shipping patterns, upcoming holiday freight, and the expected impact of next week’s annual roadside inspection event are helping support pricing in the spot market.

Total Spot Market Rates Hit New High

The total broker-posted rate in the spot market increased by 5.7 cents per mile after rising more than 3 cents the week before. Compared to the same week in 2025, all-in rates were 32% higher, while rates excluding fuel surcharges were nearly 26% higher.

Total load postings fell 4.1% week over week to 205.2, following a small increase during the prior week. However, load postings remained about 40% above the same week last year, showing that freight demand is still running stronger than 2025 levels.

Truck postings also slipped 1.5%, pushing the Market Demand Index to its lowest level in nine weeks.

Dry Van Sees Volume and Rate Growth

Dry van freight posted gains in both pricing and load volume.

The average dry van spot market rate rose 3.8 cents to $2.56 per mile, reversing part of the previous week’s decline. Compared to the same week last year, dry van rates were more than 38% higher, while rates excluding fuel were up nearly 31%.

Load volume also improved. Dry van loads increased 8.2% week over week and were roughly 22% higher than the same week in 2025.

Regional pricing softened slightly in the Northeast, but rates moved higher in every other part of the country.

Refrigerated Spot Market Turns Higher Ahead of Holiday Shipping

The refrigerated segment also moved upward after several weeks of decline.

Average refrigerated spot market rates increased 9.6 cents to $3.01 per mile, following a drop of more than 6 cents the previous week. All-in refrigerated rates were nearly 33% higher than the same period last year.

Load volume climbed 6.9% week over week, although refrigerated postings were still 7% below year-ago levels.

Regional demand varied widely. The strongest gains came from the Southeast and South Central regions, where refrigerated freight rates rose sharply. Meanwhile, rates declined in other areas of the country.

This timing is not unusual. Early May often brings stronger refrigerated demand as supply chains prepare for Mother’s Day shipping, which can tighten capacity and lift rates.

Flatbed Market Extends Long Winning Streak

Flatbed freight remained one of the strongest parts of the spot market.

Average flatbed rates rose another 8 cents to $3.46 per mile, reaching their highest level since June 2022. That marks the 18th straight weekly increase and the 23rd increase in the past 24 weeks.

Compared with the same week in 2025, flatbed rates were up more than 31%, while rates excluding fuel were roughly 25% higher.

Load volume moved in the opposite direction. Flatbed postings fell 8.5% week over week, marking the largest weekly decline since the December holiday period. Still, flatbed volume remained nearly 56% above year-ago levels, showing continued strength in the segment despite the weekly slowdown.

International Roadcheck Could Push Spot Market Higher Next Week

Looking ahead, next week may bring another jump in spot market pricing.

The annual CVSA International Roadcheck, scheduled for May 12-14, typically reduces truck capacity as some carriers park equipment during the inspection period. That temporary tightening often pushes rates higher.

Historically, the week of International Roadcheck is one of the most reliable times of the year for freight rates to rise, similar to peak shipping weeks in late June and late December.

With dry van and refrigerated freight already trending upward, and flatbed rates still climbing, the spot market could see stronger pricing pressure in the weeks ahead.