Flatbed rates hit highest level since April 2025 as spot volumes increase

Last week, spot rates saw notable increases, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.

According to FTR, "both flatbed and dry van equipment moved higher, and refrigerated rates posted their smallest decrease since the 45-cent spike in week 4. Spot rates for all three principal segments were quite strong versus the same week last year. The latest week included some strength linked to a winter storm in the Northeast, but weather will become an increasingly insignificant factor."

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 1 cent last week. Year over year, rates are up 20%. Dry van loads rose 1.7%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.02 per mile last week, averaging $2.02 per mile. This rate is 24% higher than last year.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates fell 3.6 cents last week. Rates were about 27% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads rose 6.1%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.05 per mile last week, averaging $2.41 per mile. This rate is 27% higher than last year.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose just under 7 cents last week, their highest level since April 2025. Year over year, rates were up just under 12%. Flatbed loads rose 6.9%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose $0.03 per mile last week, averaging $2.29 per mile. This rate is 14% higher than last year.