Diesel price increases drive spot rate gains across dry van, reefer, and flatbed markets

Last week, the higher diesel prices continued to bolster rates, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.

According to FTR, “both the total market rate and flatbed spot rates posted their largest increases ever in a non-holiday week. Dry van and flatbed spot rates were the highest since the summer of 2022, even excluding the portion needed to recover fuel costs. Refrigerated spot rates were the highest since late 2022, aside from recent holiday and weather distortions.”

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 11 cents last week, more than 6 cents excluding fuel. Dry van rates are at the highest level since June 2022. Year over year, rates are up about 33%. Dry van loads rose 7.8%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose $0.05 per mile last week, averaging $1.97 per mile. This rate is 21% higher than last year.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose 4.3 cents last week. Excluding fuel, rates were basically flat. Rates, excluding fuel, were about 37% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads dropped 5.5%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates are averaging $2.00 per mile. Compared to 2025, these rates are $0.15 per mile lower.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose almost 13 cents last week, the highest level since August 2022. Excluding fuel, rates rose more than 8 cents. Year over year, rates, excluding fuel, were up 9%. Flatbed loads rose 3.1% to the highest level since May 2022.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates rose $0.09 per mile last week, averaging $2.44 per mile. This rate is 14% higher than last year.