Spot Market Van Rates Rise as Flatbed Rates Decline

Dry van and refrigerated spot market rates increased during the week ending November 6, while flatbed rates declined for the fourth time in five weeks. The November 9 report showed stronger load activity across all three equipment categories. Total load postings increased 7%, while truck postings fell 8.5%, their largest weekly decrease in nearly six months.

Despite the gains for van equipment, the overall broker-posted rate decreased 1.8 cents to $3.21 per mile. The direction of the rate movements largely followed seasonal patterns. However, the flatbed decrease was somewhat larger than usual for the comparable week.

Spot Market Load Activity Strengthens

Total load activity increased 7% after rising approximately 8.5% during the previous week. Volume was almost 34% above the same week in 2025, producing the strongest year-over-year comparison since June. At the same time, truck postings decreased 8.5%.

The combination pushed the Market Demand Index to its highest level since early July. The index measures the ratio of posted loads to trucks in the Truckstop system.

A higher ratio indicates more posted loads relative to available truck postings. However, it does not guarantee higher rates on every lane. The latest results demonstrate that distinction: the load-to-truck balance tightened, but the overall average rate still declined.

The figures describe activity within the reporting system, not every shipment or truck operating nationwide.

Total Rates Fall to $3.21 Per Mile

The total market broker-posted rate decreased 1.8 cents per mile, following a decline of more than 1 cent during the previous week. Even with the latest decrease, the overall rate remained almost 41% above the comparable 2025 week.

Fuel costs account for part of that difference. After excluding a calculated fuel surcharge, total rates were up close to 35% year over year. That calculation used diesel prices through the week ending November 2.

The fuel-adjusted comparison helps estimate the portion of the rate not needed for fuel recovery. It should not be interpreted as a measure of profit or proof that a carrier received a separate surcharge. For trucking operations, the distinction matters because higher all-in rates can coincide with higher operating expenses.

Dry Van Spot Market Rates Increase Across All Regions

Dry van rates increased 4.4 cents to $2.89 per mile. Rates were 48.5% above the same week in 2025. Unlike the previous report, which showed mixed regional movements, the latest week produced higher dry van rates for loads originating in every region. However, gains in the Midwest and Southeast were smaller than the national increase.

Dry van load activity rose 5.6% from the previous week and was approximately 39% above the comparable 2025 period. Load postings increased in the South Central, Mountain Central and Midwest regions. Activity was practically unchanged in the Southeast and on the West Coast, while the Northeast recorded a decline.

The broad rate improvement represents a change from the previous week’s national decrease. Still, the report places the movement within a generally seasonal pattern rather than identifying it as evidence of a lasting recovery.

Refrigerated Rates Record Their Strongest Gain Since August

Refrigerated rates increased just over 7 cents to $3.52 per mile. It was the largest weekly increase since the week before Labor Day and the first increase in four weeks. Rates remained more than 41% above the comparable 2025 week, matching the previous report’s year-over-year comparison.

Regional movements were not uniform. Refrigerated rates declined for loads originating in the Northeast and Mountain Central regions but increased elsewhere. Load activity showed an especially strong rebound.

Refrigerated postings jumped 18.4%, their largest weekly increase since International Roadcheck week in May. Volume was close to 23% above the same week last year. The Northeast recorded a slight decrease in load postings. Every other region showed strong gains.

For refrigerated operators, the latest report combined higher national average rates with a substantial increase in posted freight. Whether those improvements continue will be important in the next weekly comparison.

Flatbed Rates Decline Despite More Posted Loads

Flatbed rates fell 5.7 cents to $3.25 per mile, marking their fourth decrease in five weeks. Rates remained nearly 40% above the same week in 2025. However, Truckstop/FTR said the weekly decline was somewhat larger than normal for that point in the year. The South Central region recorded a slight rate increase. Rates declined in every other region.

Flatbed load activity increased 6.2% after rebounding during the previous week. Volume was more than 32% above the year-earlier level, its strongest comparison since late June. Load postings were essentially unchanged on the West Coast and in the Mountain Central region. They increased elsewhere. The results show that stronger posted volume alone did not lift flatbed rates during the week.

Seasonal Patterns Remain Important

The latest spot market report presents different conditions for van and flatbed operators. Dry van rates increased nationwide. Refrigerated equipment recorded its strongest rate gain in more than two months, supported by a sharp increase in load activity. Flatbed rates continued to weaken despite higher postings.

For the week following the reporting period, historical patterns generally favor higher refrigerated rates and lower flatbed rates. Dry van results have been mixed in comparable weeks.

Those patterns provide context, not a forecast. Regional freight conditions, available equipment and fuel costs can produce different outcomes.