Spot Market Hits New High as Rates Keep Climbing

Spot Market Sees Another Week of Rising Rates

Spot market, freight rates, truckload rates, trucking market, dry van rates, reefer rates, and flatbed rates all moved higher again during the week ending May 8, 2026 (Week 18), according to data from Truckstop. Broker-posted rates increased across all equipment types for the second straight week, while total market rates reached another record level.

The gains come as load demand remains elevated compared to last year, even as weekly volume shows slight fluctuations. At the same time, the market continues to react to seasonal trends and upcoming industry events that typically tighten capacity.

Total Spot Market Trends Show Strong Demand

Total load activity reached 204.5, slipping just 0.3% week over week after a larger decline the week prior. A drop in flatbed volume offset increases in both dry van and refrigerated freight.

Despite these recent dips, overall demand remains strong. Load postings were up 56.5% compared to the same week in 2025, marking the largest year-over-year increase so far this year. Flatbed freight led that growth, with dry van also contributing.

Truck availability moved in the opposite direction. Truck postings fell 3.2% week over week, pushing the Market Demand Index to its highest level in three weeks. This shift suggests tightening capacity, which continues to support rising rates.

Spot Rates Climb to New Highs

The total broker-posted spot rate increased by 6.7 cents to $3.39 per mile. This marks the largest weekly gain in the past four weeks.

Rates were about 39% higher than the same week last year. When excluding estimated fuel surcharges, rates were still nearly 32% higher. While fuel costs play a role, recent increases in dry van and refrigerated segments largely reflect recovery from higher operating expenses.

Flatbed rates, however, continue to outpace cost recovery, showing stronger upward momentum compared to other equipment types.

Roadcheck Week Expected to Impact Capacity

The current week (Week 19) includes the annual International Roadcheck inspection event, organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. Scheduled for May 12–14, the event often leads to reduced truck availability as some drivers choose to stay off the road.

This temporary drop in capacity has historically pushed spot rates higher. Early expectations suggest the market could see another round of increases, particularly for flatbed equipment and overall market averages.

Dry Van Spot Market Rates Reach Highest Levels Since 2022

Dry van spot rates rose 4.3 cents to $2.61 per mile, following a similar increase the week before. These rates are now at their highest level since April 2022.

Compared to the same week last year, dry van rates are up 43.5%. Excluding fuel surcharges, rates increased more than 34%.

Load volume also improved. Dry van loads rose 1.9% week over week and were nearly 36% higher than last year. Growth in the Southeast and Midwest regions helped offset declines in other areas.

Refrigerated Rates Continue Upward Trend

Reefer spot rates increased by 5.9 cents to $3.07 per mile. This follows a nearly 10-cent jump in the previous week.

Rates are now more than 39% higher than the same week in 2025. Without fuel surcharges, they are up more than 31%.

Reefer load volume rose 6.2% week over week. This marks the first positive year-over-year comparison in four weeks, with volume up 6.6%. A surge in West Coast activity drove much of the increase, while other regions showed mixed results.

Flatbed Rates Near Record

Flatbed spot rates climbed another 7.7 cents to $3.53 per mile. This marks the 24th increase in the past 25 weeks.

Although just below the all-time high set in May 2022, current flatbed rates are effectively at record levels. Compared to last year, rates are up nearly 38%, while rates excluding surcharges increased 30.5%.

Flatbed load volume dipped slightly by 1.4% week over week. However, it remains nearly 78% higher than the same week in 2025. Strong demand from the West Coast helped offset declines in other regions.

Spot Market Outlook Points to Continued Volatility

The spot market continues to show strong demand, rising rates, and tightening capacity. Seasonal factors, combined with events like Roadcheck, are likely to keep upward pressure on pricing in the near term.

While dry van and refrigerated rates still trail their historical peaks, flatbed rates are already approaching record territory. The coming weeks will determine whether broader market segments can continue closing that gap as demand holds steady.