Dry van and reefer spot rates slide as flatbed prices climb, FTR and DAT report

Last week, dry van and refrigerated spot rates fell considerably, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.

FTR, however, reports that flatbed rates continue to rise. The firm noted that “flatbed spot rates were the highest since midyear. Van spot rates usually continue falling in week 3, although weather can be disruptive as was the casein 2024’s week 3.”

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

Dry van rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates fell about 10 cents last week. Year over year, rates are up 3.6%. Dry van loads fell 16.1%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.07 per mile last week, averaging $1.96 per mile. This rate is about 10% higher than last year.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates dropped over 33 cents last week. Rates were 3.8% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads fell 26.7%.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose about 3 cents last week, a total of 15 cents gained over the past nine weeks. Year over year, rates were up about 7%. Flatbed loads rose 10.5%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.01 per mile last week, averaging $2.17 per mile. This rate is about 18% higher than last year.