Van Rates Continue to Rise in the Latest Week

Spot Market Insights From Truckstop and FTR Transportation Intelligence

Van Rates Continue to Rise in the Latest Week

Data from Truckstop and FTR Transportation Intelligence for the week ended January 3 showed continued holiday-related strengthening in broker-posted spot rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment as most of the week included the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Dry van spot rates increased to their highest level since January 2023, while refrigerated spot rates rose to their highest level since the end of 2023. On the other hand, flatbed spot rates were marginally below the lowest levels of 2024 and, therefore, technically declined to their lowest level since July 2020. The first couple of weeks of the new year typically see a steady softening of van equipment rates after the capacity-related spike during the holidays, but a major winter weather event impacting a large swatch of the U.S. could result in freight disruptions that boost rates in the current week.

With load availability recovery much faster than truck availability following Christmas week, the Market Demand Index recovered to 67.1, which is only slightly below the level two weeks earlier.

 

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