Total spot rates edge higher as flatbed weakens further

Broker-posted rates in the Truckstop system rose for only the second time in 13 weeks during the week ended August 25 (week 34), although the gain was barely more than a half-cent. Refrigerated and dry van spot rates increased week over week, but rates for flatbed equipment were down for the 11th time in the past 13 weeks. Spot volume saw its strongest growth since February in a week that was not distorted by either a post-holiday rebound or the International Roadcheck inspection event.

Total load activity rose 10.3% after holding essentially flat during the previous week. Volume was nearly 19% below the same week last year and more than 23% below the five-year average for the week. The y/y comparison was the least negative since July 2022. Loads were up in all regions. Truck postings fell 3%, and the Market Demand Index – the ratio of loads to trucks – rose to its highest level in four weeks.

The total broker-posted rate ticked up six-tenths of a cent after declining just over 1 cent in the prior week. Rates were about 12% below the same 2022 week – the least negative y/y comparison since November – and nearly 5% below the five-year average. While rates are weaker than the five-year average, they are basically moving directionally in line with seasonal expectations.

Dry van spot rates moved up more than 1 cent after easing about 1 cent during the previous week. Dry van rates were just over 10% below the same week last year – the least negative y/y comparison since July 2022 – and more than 9% below the five-year average. Dry van loads rose more than 9% - the strongest gain since June – after ticking up 0.2% during the prior week. Loads were up in all regions. Volume was nearly 10% below the same 2022 week – the least negative y/y comparison since July of last year – and nearly 19% below the five-year average. 

Refrigerated spot rates increased nearly 5 cents after rising more than 7 cents during the prior week. Rates were about 4% below the same 2022 week – the least negative y/y comparison since April 2022 – and about 3% below the five-year average. Refrigerated loads rose 7.3% after increasing by about the same percentage during the previous week. Loads were down on the West Coast but up in all other regions. Volume was 11% below the same week last year and about 16% below the five-year average for the week.  

Flatbed spot rates fell about 3 cents, which is slightly less than the decrease during each of the two most recent weeks. Rates were 16% below the same 2022 week – the least negative y/y comparison since February – and about 4% below the five-year average. Flatbed loads jumped 15.1% after declining more than 2% in the prior week. Loads were up in all regions. Volume was nearly 29% below the same week last year – the least negative y/y comparison since July 2022 – and about 35% below the five-year average for the week.

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