Spot rates get seasonal boost for dry van, refrigerated hauls

 Last week’s spot market saw typical gains for dry van and refrigerated rates—and an unusual dip for flatbed rates.

For week 51 this year, FTR Transportation Intelligence reported that broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system increased 6.5 cents, averaging $2.48 per mile with fuel. Total load activity plunged 59.3% for the holidays, and the ratio of loads to trucks fell to its lowest level since Thanksgiving week.

This year’s week 51 included Christmas, while last year’s same week was before Christmas. This calendar distortion makes year-over-year comparisons a bit more awkward. Because of that, FTR’s year-over-year comparisons this time include both week 51 and Christmas week comparisons.

Dry van rates and volumes

Dry van rates increased 7.7 cents to $2.34 per mile, including fuel. While the gain is strong, FTR noted that the average week-over-week increase for week 51 since 2015 has been about 13 cents. Year-over-year, the rates were 11% higher than 2024’s week 51 and 8.5% higher than last year’s Christmas week.

FTR’s count of dry van loads fell 59.3%, down 47% from 2024’s week 51 but 3% higher than last year’s Christmas week.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

Refrigerated spot rates jumped over 26 cents to $2.92 per mile, stronger than the average 24-cent increase for this week. Refrigerated rates were more than 20% above last year’s week 51 and more than 12% higher than 2024’s Christmas week.

Refrigerated loads fell 31.5%, down 27% year over year and down 15% compared to 2024’s Christmas week.

Flatbed rates and volumes

Flatbed spot rates fell over 4 cents to $2.36 per mile, the first decrease in six weeks. Rates were up about 4.5% compared to both 2024’s week 51 and Christmas week.

Flatbed loads fell 65.9%, about 49% below 2024’s week 51 but 55% above last year’s Christmas week.