Spot freight rates climb again as flatbed extends multi-week growth streak

Last week, spot rates continued to reach new highs, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.

According to FTR, “Refrigerated spot rates rose for the first time in four weeks, though this week of the year often sees a turn due to the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday. Dry van rates also usually rise during comparable weeks after mostly declining in April. Flatbed spot rates rose for an 18th straight week and the 23rd time in the past 24 weeks.”

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 rose almost 4 cents last week. Year over year, rates are up about 38%. Dry van loads rose 8.2%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose 1 cent last week, averaging $2.00 per mile. This rate is 25% higher than last year.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose almost 10 cents last week. Rates were about 33% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads rose 6.9%.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose 8 cents last week. Year over year, rates were up 31%. Flatbed loads fell 8.5%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose $0.03 per mile last week, averaging $2.69 per mile. This rate is 27% higher than last year.