Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system were flat overall during the week ended May 2 (week 17), but rates for van equipment moved higher. Dry van spot rates rose for the first time in four weeks while refrigerated spot rates posted their largest increase of 2025 so far. The gains were seasonally expected rates, especially in refrigerated, as van rates usually rise in the two weeks before Mother’s Day. Flatbed recorded its first back-to-back rate decreases since the first two weeks of the year.

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Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system decreased for all equipment types during the week ended April 25 (week 16) as flatbed spot rates declined for the first time in 11 weeks. Dry van spot rates remained above their level in June 2020 but only by less than 1 cent. Refrigerated spot rates were down after the prior week’s sharp increase. Total load postings increased after two weeks of sharp decreases due mostly to flatbed, suggesting that a likely distortion related to tariffs has faded for now.

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For the first time this year, broker-posted spot rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment moved in opposite directions during the week ended April 18 (week 15). Dry van spot rates fell to their lowest level since late April 2024 while refrigerated spot rates were the highest in 10 weeks. Easter might have played a role in refrigerated’s strength, although the holiday has not been a reliable catalyst for higher rates. Meanwhile, flatbed spot rates rose to their highest level since October 2022.

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Broker-posted spot rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment in the Truckstop system saw identical decreases during the week ended April 11 (week 14) after both had posted back-to-back gains for the first time since the beginning of the year. The decreases were fully in keeping with seasonal expectations, however, as van rates always fall in week 14. Meanwhile, flatbed spot rates rose for a ninth straight week – a streak not matched in the past three years – to their highest level since May 2023.

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