Latest Spot Market Data: Rates Edge Higher Nationwide This Week

Spot Market Rates Edge Higher as Capacity Tightens Nationwide

The Spot Market showed fresh signs of pressure during the week ending February 6, as stronger demand and fewer available trucks pushed broker-posted rates slightly higher across much of the country. According to data from Truckstop.com, total broker-posted spot rates increased by just under two cents for the week. That followed a much larger nine-cent jump the week before. While the overall rate did not quite reach late-2025 levels, dry van pricing climbed past year-end marks and hit its highest point since late 2022.

Flatbed pricing also continued its upward trend, logging gains for the 11th time in the last 12 weeks. Refrigerated rates, meanwhile, cooled after a record surge but stayed well above last year’s levels. Together, the numbers suggest the Spot Market remains tight rather than fully normalizing after recent winter disruptions.

Load Activity Remains Strong

Freight demand stayed active even after a large spike the previous week.

Total load postings rose 2.2% week over week after climbing more than 17% the week before. Compared with the same week in 2025, loads were 55% higher, and overall volume came in 6% above the five-year average.

At the same time, truck postings slipped another 1%, following an 8.5% drop the week before. Fewer available trucks combined with rising loads pushed the Market Demand Index — the ratio of loads to trucks — to its highest level since March 2022.

That imbalance between freight and capacity continues to support higher rates in the Spot Market.

Spot Market Rates Supported by Weather and Regional Shifts

Winter storms that disrupted freight networks in week 4 lingered into week 5. Because of that, rates did not fall back as quickly as they normally might.

The West Coast stood out. Both dry van and refrigerated equipment saw their largest increases in that region. In fact, refrigerated rates rose week over week only on the West Coast.

Stronger demand in the East may have pulled equipment away from western markets, tightening capacity. Another possible factor involves enforcement activity.

According to analysis from FTR, out-of-service violations in California have increased after the state began enforcing English language proficiency rules more strictly in January. Higher inspection rates can temporarily reduce available capacity, which may add upward pressure on rates.

Dry Van Market Posts Strongest Gains

Dry van equipment led the week’s gains.

• Rates increased 3.6 cents, after jumping 20 cents the week before
• Rates were 22% higher year over year
• Prices rose in every region except the Northeast, where they stayed flat

Load volumes also remained elevated.

Dry van loads ticked up 0.6% week over week and were 63% higher than last year. Some softness in the Midwest and Northeast offset gains elsewhere, but overall demand stayed firm.

The dry van Spot Market continues to show the strongest recovery among the three main equipment types.

Refrigerated Spot Market Cools After Record Surge

Refrigerated freight pulled back after last week’s sharp spike.

• Rates fell by almost 6 cents
• However, rates were still 36% higher than a year ago
• Only the West Coast saw a weekly increase

Load postings dropped 11%, following a 51% surge the week before. Volumes declined across most regions, suggesting that last week’s weather-driven demand spike is easing.

Historically, refrigerated rates often soften in early February. Warmer temperatures this week could continue that trend.

Flatbed Spot Market Extends Winning Streak

Flatbed freight continued its steady climb.

• Rates rose just under 4 cents
• Prices reached their highest level since mid-2025
• Rates were 9% above last year

Flatbed loads increased 5.7%, with postings nearly 60% higher than the same week in 2025. Most regions saw growth, except the Mountain Central area.

Flatbed demand has remained more consistent than other segments, helping support gradual but steady rate gains.

What the Spot Market Means for Truck Drivers

The latest Spot Market data points to a simple trend: demand remains stronger than truck capacity.

For drivers and small carriers, that often means:

• Better negotiating power on short-term loads
• Higher spot opportunities in tight regions
• Continued regional price swings are tied to weather and enforcement

At the same time, normalization may begin soon. Warmer weather could reduce urgency in some lanes, especially for refrigerated freight. Still, disruptions from the past few weeks may slow that cooling.

For now, the Spot Market remains stressed, with dry van and flatbed rates holding firm and overall demand staying above both last year and historical averages.