Latest Spot Market Data: Rates up, Load Volumes Dip

Spot Market Rates Rise Again as Fuel Prices Push Higher

The Spot Market saw another strong week as freight rates moved higher across all equipment types. For the week ending April 3, 2026, total broker-posted rates increased by 12.3 cents per mile, reaching the highest level since June 2022. Dry van rates rose 8.9 cents, refrigerated rates jumped 11.1 cents, and flatbed rates climbed 12.5 cents per mile. While load volumes declined slightly week over week, rising fuel costs and steady demand continue to support higher pricing across the trucking market.

Spot Market Rates Hit Highest Levels Since 2022

The Spot Market recorded another week of gains, with total broker-posted rates increasing by 12.3 cents per mile. This marks the second straight week of unusually large increases outside of the typical late-December surge.

As a result, total rates reached their highest point since June 2022. Even when removing the portion tied to fuel costs, rates remain about 15% higher than the same week in 2025.

Additionally, rates increased across all regions and equipment types. This type of broad growth is uncommon and shows that pricing pressure is affecting the entire market.

At the same time, rising fuel costs continue to play a major role. Although carriers in the Spot Market often do not receive fuel surcharges directly, higher diesel prices are still reflected in overall rate increases.

Fuel Prices Add Pressure to the Market

Fuel trends remain a key driver behind Spot Market rate increases. According to the latest data, diesel prices rose slightly by 2.6 cents per gallon during the week ending March 30.

However, the bigger concern is crude oil pricing. U.S. crude oil closed at $111.54 per barrel on April 2, the highest level since June 2022. This suggests fuel prices may continue to rise in the coming weeks.

Regional differences also played a role. While diesel prices declined in parts of the Midwest and Gulf Coast, other areas saw sharp increases. California experienced a jump of about 35 cents per gallon, setting a new record for retail diesel prices in the state.

Because of this, the Spot Market continues to reflect uncertainty around fuel costs, which may keep rates elevated in the short term.

Load Volumes Decline Week Over Week

While rates moved higher, load activity in the Spot Market declined during the same period. Total load postings fell 6.4% week over week after reaching a recent peak.

This drop likely reflects seasonal timing. The week ended with Good Friday, which often slows freight activity.

All three major equipment types saw lower volumes:

• Dry van loads fell 9.7%
• Refrigerated loads dropped 5.7%
• Flatbed loads declined 4.8%

Despite the weekly decrease, demand remains strong compared to last year. Total load postings were nearly 21% higher than the same week in 2025.

Truck postings also declined by 4.9%, which caused the Market Demand Index to dip slightly. Even so, the index remains near its highest level since early 2022.

Dry Van Spot Market Trends

Dry van rates continued to climb, increasing 8.9 cents per mile during the week. This follows another strong gain the week before.

All-in dry van rates are now at their highest level in four years. Compared to the same week in 2025:

• Total rates are up nearly 34%
• Rates excluding fuel are up more than 24%

However, when adjusted for fuel costs, rates still trail the peaks seen during the late January winter storm and the December holiday period.

On the volume side, dry van loads saw the largest weekly decline among equipment types. Still, volume remains nearly 27% higher than last year, showing continued demand strength.

Refrigerated Spot Market Sees Strong Gains

Refrigerated freight posted one of the strongest performances in the Spot Market. Rates jumped 11.1 cents per mile, marking the third double-digit increase in the past four weeks.

All-in refrigerated rates are now at their highest level since late 2022, excluding a brief spike at the end of last year.

Year-over-year comparisons show significant growth:

• All-in rates are up nearly 42%
• Rates excluding fuel are up about 36%

Even so, fuel-adjusted rates have not yet matched the highs seen during the winter storm period earlier this year.

Refrigerated load volumes declined 5.7% week over week. However, they remain 5.5% higher than the same week in 2025.

Flatbed Spot Market Continues Upward Trend

Flatbed rates recorded the largest increase among equipment types, rising 12.5 cents per mile.

This pushed flatbed pricing to its highest level since July 2022, both with and without fuel adjustments.

Compared to last year:

• All-in flatbed rates are up more than 22%
• Rates excluding fuel are up 13.5%

Flatbed load volumes dropped 4.8% during the week. This marks the largest decline since late December, although overall volume remains more than 22% higher year over year.

Spot Market Outlook Remains Strong

The Spot Market continues to show strong pricing momentum despite a slight pullback in load volumes. Rate increases across all equipment types, combined with rising fuel costs, suggest that upward pressure may continue in the near term.

At the same time, seasonal factors and holiday timing may continue to affect weekly volume trends. Even with recent declines, demand remains well above 2025 levels.

Looking ahead, fuel prices and broader economic conditions will likely play a key role in shaping the next phase of the Spot Market.