Spot Rate Trends in Late July
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Spot rates followed expected seasonal patterns in the most recent week, as late July typically marks a decline in rates.
Falling Broker-Posted Spot Rates
According to FTR, “Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system saw declines across all equipment categories during the week ending July 25.” Dry van spot rates have nearly reverted all gains from the surge seen in late June and early July. Refrigerated spot rates remain over 5 cents higher compared to pre-surge levels, while flatbed spot rates have reached their lowest point since February.
Total Load Activity
Total load activity fell by 3.6%. Although the total volume was approximately 11% higher than the same week in 2024, it was nearly 20% below the five-year average. There was a 4.4% rise in total truck postings, leading to a decline in the Market Demand Index—the ratio of load postings to truck postings—reaching its lowest point in three weeks.
Overall Spot Rates
The total market broker-posted spot rate decreased slightly by more than 4 cents for the second consecutive week. These rates were about 1% lower compared to the same week in 2024 and nearly 10% below the five-year average. With diesel prices nearly identical to last year’s levels, the year-over-year change in rates, excluding a calculated fuel surcharge, closely mirrors the all-in rate.
Dry Van Spot Rates
Dry van spot rates dipped by around 4 cents following a similar decrease in the previous week. Current rates are nearly 2% lower than the same week in 2024 and about 13% below the five-year average. Dry van load availability saw a 5% reduction, and the volume was over 1% lower compared to last year, significantly lagging almost 31% behind the five-year average.
Refrigerated Spot Rates
Refrigerated spot rates fell by 2.6 cents after a preceding drop of 4 cents. Rates have aligned closely with last year’s figures, reflecting only a 0.3% decrease from the same week in 2024 and remaining around 8% below the five-year average. The volume of refrigerated loads dropped by 6.5%, with a 13.5% decline compared to last year and nearly 37% below the five-year average.
Flatbed Spot Rates
Flatbed spot rates decreased by about 5 cents after a decline of around 4 cents the week prior. Current rates stand 2% lower than the same week in 2024—the steepest drop since February—and are roughly 11% below the five-year average. While flatbed loads saw a decline of 3.1%, the load volume was approximately 24% higher than the same week in 2024, yet still about 13% below the five-year baseline.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in numerous newspapers, books, and magazines worldwide. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
