Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Van, Reefer Spot Freight Rates Skyrocket

For the week of the Fourth of July, truckload freight rates hit new highs in the van and reefer segments, according to DAT Solutions’ weekly spot freight overview.

July 12, 2018
Van, Reefer Spot Freight Rates Skyrocket

Spot freight rates in the van and reefer segments hit new highs last week, according to DAT Solutions latest snapshot of the spot market.

Source: DAT Solutions

2 min to read


For the week of the Fourth of July, truckload freight rates hit new highs in the van and reefer segments, according to DAT Solutions’ weekly spot freight overview.

National average spot van rates on the DAT Network of load boards increased 13 cents for the week ending in July 7, hitting $2.45 per mile. Refrigerated rates gained 8 cents in the same period of time, hitting $2.77 per mile. The flatbed segment remained flat at $2.82 per mile

Ad Loading...

While rates were hitting record highs, there was a 32% decline in the number of available loads and an 11% drop in capacity due to the shorter work week and higher volumes in the previous week. Because there were fewer loads, the van load-to-truck ratio fell from 9.2 to 7.7 loads per truck. In the past four weeks, van rates increased 6.5% in the top 100 lanes.

The same was true for reefers, with the load-to-truck volume decreasing from 13.2 to 9.3. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio has been falling for four straight weeks and was  down to 52.9 loads per truck from the high of 109 loads per truck in early June.

While the national rate increased, several markets showed signs of settling:

  • Elizabeth, N.J.: $2.19/mile, down 20 cents

  • Philadelphia: $3.35/mile, down 32 cents

  • Atlanta: $3.39/mile, down 14 cents

  • Miami: $2.35/mile, down 8 cents

  • Green Bay, Wisc: $3.94/mile, down 40 cents

  • Dallas: $2.90/mile, down 10 cents

California remained a bright spot for spot reefer rates, led by Los Angeles, up 16 cents to an average of $3.78/mile.


Related: How Trucking Fleets Are Dealing With a Hot Flatbed Sector

More Fleet Management

Daimler-Class8 partnership.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 2, 2026

DTNA Partners with Class8 to Expand Digital Services for Freightliner Owner-Operators

A new partnership brings free wireless ELD service plus load optimization and dispatch planning tools to fourth- and fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia customers, with broader model availability planned through 2026.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Reducing Fleet Downtime with Advanced Diagnostics

This white paper examines how advanced commercial vehicle diagnostics can significantly reduce fleet downtime as heavy duty vehicles become more complex. It shows how Autel’s CV diagnostic tools enable in-house troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and faster repairs, helping fleets cut emissions-related downtime, reduce dealer dependence, and improve overall vehicle uptime and operating costs.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Ad Loading...
M&A illustration with Werner and FirstFleet logos
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

Werner Expands Dedicated Fleet Nearly 50% With FirstFleet Acquisition

The $283 million acquisition of FirstFleet makes Werner the fifth-largest dedicated carrier and pushes more than half of its revenue into contract freight.

Read More →
Bobit Business Media B2X Rewards.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards Engagement Program

B2X Rewards is a new, gamified rewards program aimed at driving deeper engagement across BBM’s digital platforms, newsletters, events, and TheFleetSource.com.

Read More →
Trucking Trends series graphic
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

AI is Reshaping Trucking in 2026, from the Back Office to the Shop

Trucking’s biggest technology shifts in 2026 have one thing in common: artificial intelligence.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Column graphic illustration with Deborah Lockridge head shot and a small fleet truck in the background
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 27, 2026

Why Small Trucking Fleets Are Still Standing [Commentary]

Why discipline, relationships, and focus have mattered more than size for smaller trucking fleets during the freight recession.

Read More →
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 23, 2026

Cargo Theft Is Surging. A Bill in Congress Could Help. [Video]

Cargo theft losses hit $725 million last year. In this HDT Talks Trucking Short Take video, Scott Cornell explains how a bill moving in Congress could bring federal tracking, enforcement, and prosecutions to help address the problem.

Read More →
CargoNet infographic showing 2025 cargo theft trends
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 22, 2026

Cargo Theft Losses Jump 60% in 2025 as Criminals Target Higher-Value Freight

Cargo theft activity across North America held relatively steady in 2025 — but the financial damage did not, as ever-more-sophisticated organized criminal groups shifted their cargo theft focus to higher-value shipments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Phillips Connect -- McLeod smart trailer TMS.
Fleet ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

Phillips Connect, McLeod Integrate Smart Trailer Data into TMS Workflows

A new partnership between Phillips Connect and McLeod allows fleets to view trailer health, location, and cargo status inside the same McLeod workflows used for planning, dispatch, and execution.

Read More →