The spot market gravy train rates of early 2026 seem to be ending. Spot rates continued to drop last week, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics. 

Average broker-posted rates fell 8.5 cents from the previous week—but were still up 46.6% from the same week last year, according to FTR. And, when factoring out estimated fuel costs, FTR’s annual rate comparison was even stronger: up 51.6% year over year.

Average spot rates across all three equipment types have tended to drop the last few weeks, though all three remain up roughly 40% year over year.

“One potential sign that upward rate pressure could be abating,” said FTR in its analysis, “is the fact that recent rate increases have not boosted all-in spot rates counter to seasonal patterns the way they did in March.”

Here is how rates and volumes changed across the three major spot market equipment types.

Dry van rates and volumes

According to FTR: Dry van spot rates declined 6.3 cents, following on the previous week’s drop of 8 cents. Year over year, rates were still up 46.6%. Dry van loads decreased 7.1% from last week.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates fell 6 cents, averaging $2.38 per mile.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Refrigerated spot rates fell 7.8 cents. Year over year, rates were up 39%. Refrigerated loads declined 9.4% from the previous week.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates fell 8 cents, averaging $2.72 per mile.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Flatbed spot rates dropped 9 cents. Year over year, flatbed spot rates were close to 50% higher than last year. Flatbed loads decreased 6.9%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates fell 8 cents, averaging $2.87 per mile.