U.S. Truck Rates Fall as Freight Market Weakens

U.S. Truckload Spot Rates Fall as Freight Markets Weaken

The U.S. truckload spot market is showing signs of weakness, with dry van and flatbed rates declining while refrigerated freight continues to perform below normal seasonal expectations.

Recent data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics shows that spot rates across major truckload equipment categories are under pressure. Overall spot market rates have fallen to their lowest level since April 2025.

Dry Van Rates Record Major Decline

The dry van segment experienced one of the largest recent weekly declines. FTR reported that dry van spot rates dropped by nearly 6 cents per mile, marking the biggest weekly decline since at least 2008.

Dry van load volumes also decreased by nearly 1%. Despite the recent decline, spot rates remain significantly higher than they were during the same period last year.

DAT reported that national dry van linehaul spot rates fell by 4 cents to approximately $2.28 per mile.

Flatbed Market Under Pressure

The flatbed market also experienced a notable decline. FTR data showed flatbed spot rates falling by nearly 7 cents per mile, while load volumes declined by almost 3%.

Despite the weekly drop, flatbed rates remain substantially above year-ago levels. DAT reported that national flatbed linehaul rates decreased by 4 cents to around $2.79 per mile.

Reefer Rates Increase but Remain Below Seasonal Expectations

Refrigerated freight was the only major truckload segment to record a weekly increase. Reefer spot rates rose by nearly 3 cents per mile, while refrigerated load volumes increased by more than 4%.

However, the increase was weaker than normally expected for this point in the year. DAT reported that national reefer linehaul rates increased by 5 cents to approximately $2.75 per mile.

What the Trucking Market Is Facing

The latest figures indicate that the U.S. truckload market is losing some of its seasonal momentum, particularly in the dry van and flatbed segments.

Nevertheless, rates remain considerably higher than year-ago levels across the major equipment categories. The current decline therefore appears to reflect weaker seasonal performance rather than a complete collapse in trucking rates.

Fleet operators, carriers and truck owners will continue to monitor freight volumes and spot rates closely as the U.S. trucking market moves through the second half of 2026.

Key Truckload Rate Data

• Dry Van: Approximately $2.28 per mile
• Flatbed: Approximately $2.79 per mile
• Reefer: Approximately $2.75 per mile
• Dry Van Trend: Weekly decline
• Flatbed Trend: Weekly decline
• Reefer Trend: Weekly increase

Source: FleetOwner, FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.