The spot market is showing signs of life again, and if you’re pulling a flatbed, you’re likely feeling it first. Recent data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics points to a steady climb in flatbed rates and load activity, with last week marking the strongest performance for the segment since 2022.
While not every corner of the market is moving in the same direction, flatbed freight is clearly doing the heavy lifting right now.
A Market Moving in Different Directions
Across the board, spot rates are still running stronger than they were this time last year. Even with some week-to-week dips in other equipment types, the overall market is holding up better than many expected.
FTR reported that broker-posted spot rates increased by 4 cents per mile last week. That gain didn’t come from across-the-board strength, though. Instead, rising flatbed pricing offset softer conditions in both dry van and refrigerated freight.
For drivers and fleets watching the numbers closely, the takeaway is simple: the market isn’t flat, it’s shifting.
Dry Van Slips, But Still Ahead of Last Year
Dry van saw another small step back last week, continuing a short-term cooling trend.
FTR data shows:
- Average dry van spot rates dropped 3.6 cents per mile
- Load volumes fell 4.6%, though some Southeast lanes saw increases
- Rates are still sitting 19% higher than the same week last year
DAT reported similar movement:
- National linehaul rates dipped 2 cents per mile to just under $2.00
- This marks the fourth straight weekly decline of 2 cents
- Even with that slide, rates remain 22% above year-ago levels
So while week-to-week numbers look softer, dry van isn’t exactly struggling. It’s just settling after stronger gains earlier in the cycle.
Reefer Freight Follows a Familiar Pattern
Refrigerated freight is tracking closely with dry van, showing slight declines week over week but holding firm compared to last year.
According to FTR:
- Reefer spot rates fell 4.4 cents per mile
- Volumes dropped 2.4% overall
- Rates are still 26% higher year over year
There are still pockets of strength. The West Coast, Southeast, and South Central regions all posted increases in reefer demand, which helped keep the segment from sliding further.
DAT numbers line up:
- National refrigerated rates slipped 3 cents to $2.38 per mile
- Rates remain about 25% higher than this time last year
For reefer operators, it’s a reminder that even when the weekly trend dips, the bigger picture still matters.
Flatbed Keeps the Momentum Going
Flatbed freight continues to stand out. Rates and volumes both moved higher again last week, pushing the segment to its strongest position since October 2022.
FTR reported:
- Spot rates climbed just over 5 cents per mile
- Load volumes jumped 5.3%
- Demand has now increased for six straight weeks
DAT echoed that strength:
- National flatbed rates rose 4 cents to $2.33 per mile
- This marks five consecutive weeks of increases
- Rates are now 15% higher than a year ago
For drivers running open deck, this isn’t just a small bump. It’s a sustained trend that’s been building for more than a month.
What’s Driving Flatbed Demand
Several factors are pushing flatbed freight higher right now. Increased manufacturing activity, as reported by the Federal Reserve, is creating more outbound freight that requires open-deck capacity.
At the same time, infrastructure work and large-scale construction projects, including the ongoing buildout of data centers, are adding steady demand for materials that move on flatbeds.
Capacity is another piece of the puzzle. There simply aren’t as many trucks available in this segment, so even moderate increases in demand can move rates quickly.
What It Means for Drivers and Fleets
Right now, flatbed is setting the pace for the spot market. For fleets with mixed equipment or owner-operators considering a shift, it’s worth paying attention to where the freight is moving.
Dry van and reefer may be easing week to week, but they’re still outperforming last year’s numbers. Flatbed, however, is where the strongest momentum sits today.
If current trends hold, the gap between equipment types could widen, especially if construction and manufacturing activity continue to build heading into the next quarter.
For drivers, that means opportunity. For fleets, it means strategy.
