Spot Market Results: Van Rates Down, Reefer Up in Week 33

Spot Market Week 33: Van Rates Mixed as Flatbed Slide Continues

The latest Spot Market results from FTR show a week of mixed movement in rates and volumes. For the week ending August 22 (Week 33), dry van rates slipped, refrigerated rates climbed again, and flatbed rates continued their gradual seasonal decline.

Total Spot Market Activity

Total broker-posted Spot Market rates edged down by seven-tenths of a cent after holding steady the prior week. Even with the small dip, rates were 2.3% higher than the same week in 2024. Marking the strongest year-over-year comparison in seven weeks. However, they remained more than 7% below the five-year average.

Load activity eased 1.3% after climbing 5.5% the previous week. Overall volume was nearly 27% above the same week in 2024 but still 18% below the five-year average. Flatbed demand continues to be the main driver of year-over-year strength, with dry van volumes also showing solid improvement compared to last year. Total truck postings ticked up 0.8%. As a result, the Market Demand Index (MDI) slipped to its lowest level in four weeks.

Dry Van Rates Hit 15-Week Low

Dry van Spot Market rates fell more than 3 cents, reversing the gain of just over 2 cents posted the previous week. That drop pushed dry van rates to their lowest level in 15 weeks. Although they were only slightly below levels seen in late June.

Compared with last year, dry van rates were nearly flat, up just 0.1%, but they were 12.5% below the five-year average. Dry van loads eased 1.1%. Although volumes were 11% higher year over year. Against the five-year benchmark, however, dry van loads were down by about one-third.

Refrigerated Spot Market Rates Extend Gains

Refrigerated Spot Market rates climbed just over 3 cents, building on the 3.7-cent increase of the prior week. Rates have now risen for four consecutive weeks. Reaching their highest level in seven weeks.

Reefer rates were about 4% higher than the same 2024 week. Ranking as the third-strongest year-over-year comparison so far this year. However, they remained 7.6% below the five-year average. Refrigerated load postings inched up 0.4%. However, volumes were 8% lower than last year and nearly 40% below the five-year average.

Flatbed Spot Market Rates Continue Seasonal Decline

Flatbed Spot Market rates slipped by half a cent, marking the seventh straight weekly decline. While the cumulative drop over the past month is just over a penny. The trend reflects normal seasonal easing in July and August.

Flatbed rates were 2.4% above the same 2024 week. The strongest year-over-year comparison in seven weeks.  6.4% below the five-year average, though. Flatbed load postings decreased 2.4%, though volumes remained 50% higher than last year. Still, activity was 7.4% below the five-year average.

Spot Market Seasonal Trends Ahead

Spot Market rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment often rise during Week 34 and Week 35 as shippers prepare for the Labor Day holiday. That could bring temporary upward pressure. Particularly in reefer freight tied to seasonal food demand. Flatbed rates, by contrast, typically continue to ease through late summer before stabilizing in the fall

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