MENU
SEARCHTruckload rates on the spot freight market increased sharply in two of the three equipment types during the first week of May, according to new figures released by DAT Solutions and based on its network of load boards.
Truckload rates on the spot freight market increased sharply in two of the three equipment types during the first week of May, according to new figures released by DAT Solutions and based on its network of load boards.
Driven by demand for refrigerated and dry vans, the number of total loads posted increased 5.1% compared to the previous week as truck capacity moved 1.9% higher.
The national average spot reefer rate jumped 11 cents to a national average of $1.90 per mile, as the number of posted reefer loads increased 11%. All reported rates include fuel surcharges. Reefer truck capacity gained 5%, pushing the load-to-truck ratio up 6% to 3.4 loads per truck.
The increase in the average reefer rate and freight volume was not unexpected, due to early harvests in California and late produce shipments from Florida that were seen the final week of April, according to DAT in the company blog.
Outbound reefer freight volumes and rates surged in Florida, with Lakeland up 29 cents to an average of $1.91 a mile and Miami adding 23 cents to an average of $2.32 a mile. Miami-to-Baltimore skyrocketed 41 cents to an average of $2.62 a mile.
Van load posts rose 11% and the number of available trucks was virtually unchanged. That pushed the van load-to-truck ratio up 11% to 1.8 loads per truck. The national average spot market rate for vans added 7 cents to $1.57 per mile, including a 2-cent rise in the average fuel surcharge.
According to DAT, the hottest regional van markets are:
South Central: Houston, $1.49 per mile, up 5 cents
Southeast: Charlotte, $1.77 per mile, up 2 cents
West: Los Angeles, $1.89 per mile, up 3 cents
Northeast: Allentown, Penn., $1.76 per mile, up 4 cents
Midwest: Chicago, $1.73 per mile, up 1 cent
Meantime, flatbed load volume was unchanged while truck capacity increased 12% from the previous week. That led to a 11% decline in the load-to-truck ratio, from 21.1 to 18.8 loads per truck. The national average flatbed rate added 1 cent to $1.91 a mile.
According to DAT, changes in load-to-truck ratios often signal impending changes in rates. If that’s the case for the current period, this time next week we may see another healthy increase in both reefer and van rates, while flatbeds could turn lower.
How a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.
Read More →
As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.
Read More →
The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.
Read More →
CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.
Read More →
Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.
Read More →
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
Read More →
A modest sequential increase capped the strongest quarterly performance in years, signaling continued freight momentum in early 2026.
Read More →
More than 300 carriers across 26 states have been sent to collections as the Ohio Turnpike cracks down on toll evasion and delinquent payments.
Read More →
The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.
Read More →
