Spot rates for refrigerated equipment reflected expected seasonal strength in the latest week, but dry van equipment is not yet showing any signs of typical holiday gains. Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system during the week ended November 3 (week 44) rose for only the second time since the end of August as a sharp increase in refrigerated spot rates offset small declines in flatbed and dry van. All three segments saw stronger load postings, but refrigerated greatly outpaced the others.

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After seven straight weeks with only one week-over-week increase, dry van spot rates in the Truckstop system jumped by the most since May during the week ended November 24 (week 47). Broker-posted rates for dry van equipment invariably increase during Thanksgiving week, so the failure to do so might have signaled greater weakness. Refrigerated spot rates fell by about as much as dry van rates rose, and flatbed spot rates increased modestly. Refrigerated rates often decline during the holiday week.

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Total broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system almost always rise during the week before Thanksgiving, but that did not happen during the week ended November 17 (week 46). Spot rates barely changed for refrigerated and flatbed, and dry van spot rates declined modestly. All three equipment types usually see rate increases during the week before Thanksgiving. Capacity shortfalls during Thanksgiving week usually mean higher dry van spot rates, but last week’s weakness creates uncertainty.

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After rising for the first time in five weeks, total broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system returned to their slight downward trend during the week ended November 10 (week 45). Spot rates for refrigerated equipment rose for a second straight week for the first time since early September. Dry van spot rates were unchanged while flatbed rates declined by the most in five weeks. Spot rates are down year over year in all three segments, but they are generally following seasonal expectations.

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