Spot Market Insights: Van Spot Rates Decline While Flatbed Rates Rise

Market Demand Index rose to 85.4 – its strongest level in seven weeks – due principally to flatbed

Data from Truckstop and FTR Transportation Intelligence for the week ended February 28 showed that broker-posted spot rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment resumed their mostly seasonal declines after a single week of increases. Refrigerated spot rates fell to their lowest level since April 2023. Dry van spot rates were at their second-lowest level since October, although they were higher year over year for the first time since the first week of this year. Flatbed spot rates, which are still running slightly below prior-year levels, rose to their highest level since late July, and flatbed volume was the strongest since July 2022. During the current week (week ending March 7), flatbed and dry van spot rates usually rise, while refrigerated rates have mostly declined in recent years.

 

With the gain in load postings outpacing the increase in truck postings, the Market Demand Index rose to 85.4 – its strongest level in seven weeks – due principally to flatbed.

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