Latest Spot Market Results: Reefer Rates Rise, Vans Dip

Spot Market Week 31: Reefer Rates Rise as Vans Decline

The spot market posted mixed results during the week ending August 8, 2025 (Week 31), according to data from FTR. Reefer rates rose for the second week in a row, while dry van rates slipped after a brief rebound last week. Flatbed rates stayed nearly unchanged. Load volumes fell sharply, and capacity showed a slight pullback. Overall, the market followed seasonal freight patterns but stayed far below long-term averages.

Overall Spot Market Performance

The total market broker-posted spot rate dipped by just 0.1 cents. This small change came after nearly a full cent gain the previous week. Rates were 0.4% higher than during the same week in 2024. However, they remained almost 9% under the five-year average.

Load activity fell 10.3% after climbing about 6% the week before. Volume stayed more than 9% higher than the same week last year. Even so, it was 22% lower than the five-year average. Both dry van and refrigerated loads were down compared to last year.

Truck postings dropped 3.4% from the prior week. The Market Demand Index, which measures the ratio of load postings to truck postings, fell to its lowest level in five weeks.

Dry Van Spot Market Trends

Dry van spot rates fell 1.3 cents after rising slightly more than that in Week 30. This drop erased the prior week’s gains. Rates stood 1.5% lower than during the same week in 2024 and nearly 14% under the five-year average.

Dry van loads fell 12.6% from the previous week. Compared to the same week in 2024, volume was about 4% lower. It also remained more than 35% below the five-year average. This segment continued to feel soft demand in the spot market, even as other sectors showed more stability.

Refrigerated Rates See Second Week of Gains

Refrigerated, or reefer, spot rates rose 2 cents, matching the gain from the week before. Rates were 1% higher than the same week in 2024. However, they were still about 10% below the five-year average.

Reefer loads declined 4.1% from the prior week. Year over year, volume was down nearly 15%. Compared to the five-year average, it was more than 40% lower. Despite lower load counts, the recent rate gains suggest steady seasonal demand for temperature-controlled freight.

Flatbed Rates Remain Near Lows

Flatbed spot rates eased just 0.2 cents after slipping 0.3 cents the week before. Rates have now reached their lowest level since February. Compared to the same week in 2024, rates were down 0.4%. They also sat about 9% below the five-year average.

Flatbed loads dropped 10.1% week over week. Even so, volume was almost 27% higher than the same week last year. Against the five-year average, it was still close to 12% lower. While demand remains above 2024 levels, the rate pressure reflects strong competition for available loads.

Seasonal Trends Shape the Spot Market

Week 31 marked the first time in eight weeks that dry van and refrigerated spot rates moved in opposite directions. This split follows seasonal shipping trends. Reefer rates often climb in late summer as harvest season begins, while van rates can soften after midsummer demand peaks.

Flatbed rates held steady, suggesting a balance between freight needs and available trucks. Construction and manufacturing projects continue to drive flatbed demand, even as rate levels remain low.

Spot Market Outlook

Analysts note that the spot market is behaving as expected for this time of year. Seasonal cycles are still the main driver of rate and volume shifts. However, the gap between current levels and long-term averages remains wide for most segments.

Dry van rates could stay under pressure in the near term unless demand picks up. Reefer rates may hold or climb modestly if produce volumes remain strong. Flatbed demand could keep outperforming last year, though rates are unlikely to rise sharply without a broader freight rebound.

Shippers and brokers are still working with ample capacity. That means competition for loads will likely keep spot market rates in check heading into late summer.