BEAVERTON, Ore. — Total broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system were once again at an all-time high during the week ending May 1, as spot rates rose for all equipment types.
“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,” FTR said. “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.”
Total Spot Loads
Total load activity fell 4.1% week over week after ticking up slightly during the previous week. Although dry van and refrigerated volume increased, flatbed volume fell by the most in any week this year. Total load postings were about 40% higher than during the same 2025 week. Truck postings declined 1.5% week over week, and the Market Demand Index – the ratio of loads to trucks – declined to the lowest level in nine weeks.
Total Spot Rates
The total market broker-posted rate increased by 5.7 cents a mile after rising more than 3 cents in the prior week. All-in broker-posted rates were 32% higher than in the same week last year while rates excluding a calculated surcharge were nearly 26% higher. Although carriers operating in the spot market typically do not receive surcharges, the calculation is a proxy for the portion of the rate needed to offset higher fuel costs.
During the current week of the year (week 18), dry van and refrigerated spot rates usually rise while flatbed rates usually fall. Next week almost certainly will bring higher rates for most equipment types due to the annual International Roadcheck roadside inspection event, which is scheduled for May 12-14. As is the case in late June and late December, the week of International Roadcheck is one of a handful of times when rates are guaranteed to rise with the only question being how much.
Dry Van Spot Rates
Dry van spot rates increased by 3.8 cents after declining 4.5 cents during the previous week. Broker-posted rates were more than 38% higher than in the same week last year while rates excluding fuel surcharges were up nearly 31%. Rates declined modestly in the Northeast but were up in all other regions.
Dry van loads increased 8.2%. Volume was about 22% higher than in the same 2025 week. Loads increased in all regions week over week.
Refrigerated Spot Rates
Refrigerated spot rates rose by 9.6 cents after falling more than 6 cents in the prior week. All-in rates were nearly 33% higher than they were during the same 2025 week while rates excluding surcharges were up by nearly 26%. While the total increase in rates was strong, performance varied greatly by region. Refrigerated rates rose sharply for loads originating in the Southeast and South Central regions but were down week over week in all other regions.
Refrigerated loads increased 6.9%. Volume was 7% below that in the same 2025 week. Loads were up by double-digit percentages in the Midwest, Southeast, and South Central regions but down elsewhere.
Flatbed Spot Rates
Flatbed spot rates rose by 8 cents to the highest level since June 2022 after increasing by about 5 cents during the previous week. All-in broker-posted flatbed spot rates were up more than 31% versus the same 2025 week while rates excluding a calculated surcharge were up about 25%. For a second straight week, rates were up week over week in all regions except the Mountain Central region.
Flatbed loads fell 8.5% – the largest decrease since the December holiday period. Volume was close to 56% higher than in the same 2025 week. Loads fell in all regions week over week.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
