Spot Market Hits New Milestone Ahead of Holiday Freight

Spot Market Rates Climb Again Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

The Spot Market continued to strengthen during the week ending May 22, 2026, as freight demand remained elevated following International Roadcheck and shippers prepared for the Memorial Day holiday. According to Truckstop data, broker-posted rates increased across all major equipment types, while overall load activity stayed near multi-year highs.

Although total spot load volume eased slightly from the previous week, rates continued moving upward. Dry van rates posted the largest increase, moving within striking distance of record levels last seen during the freight boom of late 2021. Refrigerated and flatbed rates also climbed, extending a strong trend that has defined much of 2026.

Spot Market Demand Remains Strong

Total spot load activity slipped just 0.6% week over week after surging 21% during International Roadcheck week. Even with that slight decline, overall volume remained robust.

Truckstop reported a total market volume index of 245.9. Compared to the same week in 2025, spot market load activity was more than 59% higher. Flatbed freight accounted for much of that increase, although all major equipment categories recorded year-over-year gains.

Meanwhile, truck postings increased 3.6% after falling sharply during Roadcheck week. As a result, the Market Demand Index, which measures the ratio of loads to available trucks, declined modestly. Even so, demand levels remained among the strongest seen in the past five years.

Spot Market Rates Reach New Highs

Broker-posted spot rates increased by nearly 9 cents per mile across the total market during the week. That gain was only slightly smaller than the increase recorded during International Roadcheck week.

The all-in broker-posted rate reached another record high. In addition, the rate excluding a calculated fuel surcharge also reached an all-time high. While most spot market carriers do not receive separate fuel surcharges, the adjusted figure provides insight into how much of the rate is needed to offset fuel costs.

Compared to the same week last year:

• All-in broker-posted rates were up 45.6%.
• Fuel-adjusted rates increased by about 41%.

Those year-over-year gains represent the strongest comparisons since mid-2021, when freight markets were recovering from pandemic-related disruptions.

Industry analysts noted that seasonal freight patterns have been disrupted by tighter capacity and higher operating costs. Normally, dry van rates level off after Memorial Day before increasing again in late June. However, stronger market conditions have kept rates climbing for both van and refrigerated equipment.

Dry Van Spot Market Nears Historic Levels

Dry van rates posted the strongest weekly increase among the major equipment categories.

The average all-in dry van spot rate rose 13 cents to $2.97 per mile after increasing nearly 24 cents the previous week. Rates now sit just about 12 cents below the all-time record set in December 2021.

Compared to the same week last year:

• All-in rates increased approximately 48%.
• Fuel-adjusted rates rose nearly 43%.

Regional gains were widespread. Most areas reported higher rates, with the Southeast and Midwest posting the largest increases. The West Coast was the only region to record a slight decline.

Dry van load volume fell 3.2% following a 36% jump during Roadcheck week. However, demand remained strong, with load activity more than 41% higher than the same period in 2025.

Refrigerated Rates Continue Moving Higher

The refrigerated segment also remained strong, although load volume softened after a major spike the previous week.

Average refrigerated spot rates increased about 6 cents to $3.65 per mile. That follows a record-setting increase of more than 52 cents during International Roadcheck week.

Year-over-year comparisons remained impressive:

• Broker-posted refrigerated rates were up 48%.
• Fuel-adjusted rates increased 44%.

The Southeast drove most of the weekly rate growth. The South Central region was the only other major area to post an increase.

Refrigerated load activity declined 11.4% from the previous week after climbing nearly 43% during Roadcheck week. Even so, refrigerated volumes remained 11% higher than the same week one year ago.

Flatbed Spot Market Extends Winning Streak

Flatbed freight continued one of the strongest runs in the transportation industry.

Average flatbed spot rates increased 7.7 cents per mile, setting another record high. Rates have now risen for 21 consecutive weeks and have increased during 26 of the past 27 weeks.

Compared to the same week in 2025:

• All-in flatbed rates increased more than 45%.
• Fuel-adjusted rates rose slightly above 41%.

The Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast recorded the strongest weekly gains. Other regions were either flat or posted only modest increases.

Flatbed load volume increased 2.7% to its highest level since May 2022. After also rising nearly 15% during Roadcheck week, flatbed demand remains exceptionally strong. Load activity was approximately 82% higher than the same week last year.

Outlook for the Spot Market

The Spot Market entered the Memorial Day holiday period with strong momentum. Rates increased across dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed equipment despite only minor changes in overall load volume.

Dry van rates are approaching historic highs, refrigerated pricing remains elevated, and flatbed rates continue setting new records. While seasonal trends often bring softer conditions after Memorial Day, tighter capacity and higher operating costs may continue supporting stronger-than-normal spot market pricing in the weeks ahead.