Despite the continually high costs of fuel, spot rates are dropping as expected for this time of year, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics. 

Last week, dry van and flatbed spot rates saw their largest decrease for the past four weeks. Refrigerated spot rates rose just slightly. Total load activity reached its second-lowest level of 2026, but volume is still up 9% compared to 2025.

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 about 7 cents last week, their lowest level since International Roadcheck. Year over year, rates are up about 42%. Dry van loads dropped 1.5%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped 6 cents last week, averaging $2.32 per mile.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose 1 cent last week, the first increase in four weeks. Rates were just over 38% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads rose just over 3%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped 7 cents last week, averaging $2.65 per mile. 

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates dropped just over 6 cents last week. Year over year, rates were up about 47%. Flatbed loads dropped just over 5%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped 4 cents last week, averaging $2.83 per mile.