Spot Market Surge During Week of the CVSA Roadcheck

Spot Market Activity Surges During International Roadcheck

Sharp Increase in Load Volumes

The spot market saw a major boost in activity during the week ending May 16, 2025 (Week 19). This is largely due to the annual International Roadcheck event that took place from May 13 to 15. As many drivers chose to avoid the increased inspections, more freight shifted to the spot market. FTR reports total load postings jumped by 34.4%—the biggest weekly increase so far this year. When compared to the same week in 2024, total volumes were up by 2.4%.

Dry Van Rates and Loads Jump

Dry van freight was a big part of the spot market surge. Spot rates rose by 12.3 cents, reaching their highest point in more than three months. This rate closely matches what was seen during Roadcheck week in 2024. When fuel surcharges are removed, rates were about 4% higher than the same time last year. Load volumes also spiked, climbing 44.6%, which is around 7% more than during last year’s Roadcheck.

Refrigerated Rates Hit 17-Week High

The spot market for refrigerated freight also surged. Spot rates shot up by 27.6 cents, reaching the highest levels in 17 weeks. Though rates were only slightly higher than those recorded during Roadcheck 2024 (less than 1% increase), load volumes made a bigger jump. Refrigerated loads increased by 50.5% and were up more than 12% year-over-year.

Flatbed Mixed: Rates Down, Loads Up

The spot market for flatbed freight had a different story. Spot rates fell by 3.2 cents, marking the fourth week in a row of declining rates. This was the first time since 2012 that flatbed rates dropped during a Roadcheck week. However, flatbed load volumes went the other direction, rising 29.7% and coming in nearly 28% higher than during the same week in 2024.

Spot Market Tightness Reflected in Market Demand Index

The Market Demand Index (MDI), which measures how many loads are posted compared to available trucks, climbed to its highest point in six weeks. This reflects tighter capacity in the market, especially in the refrigerated segment. In fact, the refrigerated MDI reached one of its highest levels on record and was the highest seen since early 2022.

Year-Over-Year Trends Show Upward Shift

Comparing the 2025 Roadcheck week to the same week in 2024, overall spot market broker-posted rates were up 2.4%. When fuel is excluded, the rates were approximately 6% higher than last year. This shows just how much impact the Roadcheck event can have on the market, especially in the short term.

Spot Market Outlook Tied to Inspection Events

The latest Roadcheck week brought big changes to the spot market. Dry van and refrigerated segments saw noticeable gains in both rates and volumes, while flatbed freight posted mixed results. The rising Market Demand Index suggests that available capacity is tightening, especially for refrigerated freight. All signs point to how key events like Roadcheck can quickly shift market dynamics across equipment types.

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