Total load activity jumped 77.4% to its highest level since March after rising more than 47% during the previous week. Volume was nearly 38% higher than during the same 2024 week but almost 21% below the five-year average for the week. Total truck postings increased 24.7%. The Market Demand Index – the ratio of load postings to truck postings in the system – soared to its highest level since June 2022.
Despite rate increases for each individual equipment type, the total market broker-posted spot rate declined by about 1 cent. This odd outcome stems from the wide disparity in rate levels by equipment type, so the mix in a particular week occasionally produces a total market rate that moves contrary to the direction of rates for individual equipment types. Rates were up about 1% from the same 2024 week but down nearly 8% from the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated surcharge were up more than 4% year over year. The current week (week 2) typically sees declining dry van and refrigerated spot rates and rising flatbed rates, but it remains to be seen whether the market will continue to see effects from winter weather.
Dry van spot rates increased 2.4 cents after rising 2 cents in the previous week. Rates, which have risen about 16 cents in the past four weeks, were 3.4% higher than during the same 2024 week but were nearly 9% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up 7.5% year over year. Dry van loads jumped 65.9% to their highest level since late June. Volume was almost 28% above the same 2024 week but more than 30% below the five-year average.
Refrigerated spot rates rose 2.6 cents after increasing nearly 11 cents during the prior week. Rates, which have risen nearly 40 cents in the past four weeks, were 3.5% higher than in the same 2024 week but were more than 6% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up 6.7% year over year. Refrigerated loads rose 29.2% to their highest level in two years. Volume was nearly 30% above the same 2024 week but 26% below the five-year average.
Flatbed spot rates increased just over 2 cents for only their second increase in five week. Rates, which have risen by a total of just over 2 cents since Thanksgiving week, were less than 1% below the same 2024 week and more than 7% below the five-year average for the week. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge were up about 2% year over year. Flatbed loads surged 124.8% to their highest level since October. Volume was almost 57% above the same 2024 week but nearly 15% below the five-year average.