Spot rates decline for all equipment types

After 21 straight weeks of increases, the total market broker-posted rate declined 2.3 cents per mile after barely increasing in the prior week. Excluding a calculated fuel surcharge, though, the total rate ticked up three tenths of a cent as diesel prices nationwide have plunged more than 46 cent in just three weeks. Although carriers operating in the spot market typically do not receive surcharges, the calculation is a proxy for the portion of the rate needed to offset higher fuel costs.

Fuel-adjusted spot rates increased week over week for both dry van and flatbed. Spot rates excluding a fuel surcharge still declined for refrigerated equipment, although only by less than a penny. The faster drop in fuel costs than in spot rates recently means that fuel-adjusted rates slightly outperformed all-in rates year over year. All-in broker-posted rates were more than 52% higher than in the same week last year while rates excluding a calculated surcharge were more than 53% higher.

Dry van spot rates eased by seven tenths of a cent although rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge increased just under 2 cents. All-in rates were more than 53% higher than during the same 2025 week while fuel-adjusted rates were more than 55% higher. Dry van rates rose sharply for loads originating in the Northeast and were slightly higher in the South Central region but declined in all other regions.

Dry van loads declined 2.2%. Volume was more than 33% higher than in the same 2025 week. Load postings increased in the Northeast and Mountain Central regions but fell in all other regions. 

Refrigerated spot rates declined by a little more than 3 cents while rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge dipped by six tenths of a cent. Both all-in rates and fuel-adjusted rates were a little more than 46% higher than during the same week last year. As with dry van, spot rates rose for loads originating in the Mountain Central and Northeast regions but were down week over week elsewhere. 

Refrigerated loads decreased 2.9%. Volume was about 5% higher than during the same 2025 week. Load postings increased sharply in the Mountain Central region and modestly on the West Coast but were down in all other regions.

Flatbed spot rates declined for only the second time in 31 weeks, dipping 1.2 cents. However, excluding a calculated fuel surcharge, rates increased 1.4 cents. All-in flatbed spot rates were 52.5% higher than in the same 2025 week while fuel-adjusted rates were up 53.7%. Spot rates increased for loads originating in the Southeast and on the West Coast but were down slightly elsewhere. The decreases in the Northeast and Midwest were fractions of a cent. 

Flatbed loads fell 10.0%. Volume was 48.5% higher than in the same week last year for the softest comparison in 11 weeks. As was the case with dry van, volume rose in the Mountain Central and Northeast regions but fell in all other regions.