Spot Market Rates Rise Across All Equipment Types

The latest spot market results showed stronger broker-posted rates across dry van, refrigerated and flatbed equipment.

Rates increased during the week ending October 2, according to FTR’s analysis of Truckstop.com data. The gains were stronger than usual for the same week of the year. Total load activity also increased, while fewer trucks were posted in the system.

Dry van recorded the largest rate increase of the three main equipment types. Refrigerated rates reversed two consecutive weekly declines. Flatbed rates increased for a third straight week.

However, elevated diesel prices remain an important part of the rate picture. Some of the additional revenue may be needed to recover higher fuel expenses rather than improve carrier margins.

Spot Market Demand Reaches Highest Level Since July

Total spot market load activity increased 2.6% during the week. That followed a week in which activity was nearly unchanged.

Load activity was also nearly 11% higher than during the comparable week in 2025.

At the same time, truck postings declined 4.6%. The combination of more loads and fewer available trucks pushed the Market Demand Index to its highest level since mid-July.

The index measures the ratio of posted loads to posted trucks. A higher ratio generally signals tighter capacity and improved negotiating conditions for carriers. However, conditions can vary substantially by equipment type, region and individual lane.

The latest increase provides a more positive signal than rate growth alone because demand and available capacity moved in carriers’ favor.

Total Spot Market Rate Rises to $3.27

The total broker-posted spot market rate increased by approximately 3 cents per mile to $3.27.

It was the fifth weekly gain in the past six weeks. The total rate also reached its highest level in nine weeks and stood more than 41% above the comparable 2025 level.

FTR said the increase was stronger than usual for this point in the calendar. The firm suggested that carriers may be pushing for higher rates to recover costs following the recent surge in diesel prices.

Fuel prices appear to have stabilized, but they remain close to record levels. This means higher all-in rates do not necessarily translate into an equal improvement in operating margins.

Spot-market carriers typically do not receive a separate fuel surcharge in the same way many contract carriers do. Fuel expenses usually must be covered within the negotiated all-in rate.

Dry Van Rates Post an Unusually Strong Gain

Dry van spot rates increased 7.6 cents to $2.68 per mile. That was the highest dry van rate since mid-July.

According to FTR, it was the strongest dry van rate increase recorded for week 39 in data extending back to at least 2008.

Rates were approximately 45% higher than during the same week in 2025.

Regional results were broadly positive. Rates were nearly unchanged for loads originating in the Southeast but increased in every other region. The strongest improvement occurred in the South Central region.

Dry van load activity rose 10.5% during the week and was approximately 27% higher than during the comparable 2025 period.

West Coast load postings recorded another strong increase. Activity also rose in every other region, although the Northeast posted little change.

The combination of higher rates and significantly more loads made dry van the strongest segment in the latest report.

Refrigerated Rates Reverse Two Weekly Declines

Refrigerated spot market rates increased 5.4 cents to $3.54 per mile.

The gain followed two consecutive weekly declines that had generally matched seasonal patterns. Refrigerated rates typically fall during comparable weeks, although they also increased during the same week in 2025.

Rates were more than 46% higher than a year earlier.

Refrigerated rates declined for loads originating on the West Coast. All other regions posted increases, led by the South Central region.

Refrigerated load activity increased 3.4% and was more than 2% above the same 2025 week.

Load postings declined on the West Coast and in the Mountain Central region. Activity increased across the remaining regions.

The weekly rebound interrupted the normal seasonal decline, but one increase does not establish a sustained change in refrigerated freight conditions.

Flatbed Rates Increase for a Third Week

Flatbed spot rates rose 3 cents to $3.35 per mile. This marked the segment’s third consecutive weekly increase.

Rates were more than 42% higher than during the same week in 2025.

Regional performance was mixed. Flatbed rates declined in the Northeast and were nearly unchanged in the South Central region. Rates increased across the remaining regions.

Unlike dry van and refrigerated equipment, flatbed recorded lower load activity. Flatbed loads declined 2.2% during the week but remained 4% above the comparable 2025 level.

Load postings increased in the Midwest and Mountain Central region while declining elsewhere.

The continued rate increase despite lower weekly load activity could reflect tighter available capacity, lane-specific demand or carriers seeking additional fuel-cost recovery.

What the Latest Spot Market Results Mean

The latest results were broadly positive for carriers operating in the spot market. All three major equipment types recorded rate gains, total load activity increased and truck postings declined.

Dry van produced the clearest improvement. Its rate increase was unusually strong for the week, while load activity rose by double digits. Refrigerated freight also improved despite seasonal patterns that typically produce lower rates.

The major limitation remains fuel expense. Higher rates can provide relief, but diesel prices near historic highs continue to absorb a significant portion of carrier revenue.

The next several reports will help show whether the latest gains represent more than a short-term shift. Continued growth in load activity, combined with restrained truck postings, would provide stronger evidence of improving spot market conditions.