Freight rates climb for refrigerated and flatbed, while dry van volumes rise modestly

Last week, refrigerated and flatbed rates were up, even without including the rising fuel prices, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.

According to FTR, “total dry van rates eased a bit, but they rose sharply in most regions. The approaching Easter holiday might have figured into refrigerated’s gain, but the increase was far larger this year than it was two weeks before Easter last year.”

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 dropped six-tenths of a cent last week but fell 4 cents excluding fuel. Year over year, rates are up about 29%. Dry van loads rose 5.9%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates were flat last week, averaging $1.92 per mile. This rate is 18% higher than last year.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose just over 18 cents last week, up close to 15 cents excluding fuel. This is the second-largest increase so far this year. Rates, excluding fuel, were about 37% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads increased 17%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose $0.02 per mile last week, averaging $2.32 per mile. This rate is 24% higher than last year.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose 9 cents last week, the highest level since August 2022. Excluding fuel, rates rose 5.5 cents. Year over year, rates, excluding fuel, were up almost 8%. Flatbed loads dropped 1%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose 3 cents per mile last week, averaging $2.34 per mile. This rate is 12% higher than last year.