For the first time since May, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system rose for all equipment types during the week ended September 4 (week 35), according to data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and Truckstop.com. The total market rate, which has declined during most weeks of that period, also rose by the most since May. Spot rate gains are the norm for comparable weeks as the week heading into Labor Day often is the strongest week between the mid-year peak and around Thanksgiving. Among the week’s milestones is the first flatbed rate increase in 12 weeks.

Total load activity decreased 6.9% week over week after rising around 11% in the previous week. Volume was up nearly 27% versus the same 2025 week. For a second straight week, truck postings declined 2.2%. The Market Demand Index – the ratio of loads to trucks – pulled back from the previous week’s level, which had been the highest in six weeks.

For the Dry Van market, 2 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Van MDI decreased 14.1 points to 256.3 as load availability fell 4.2% and truck availability rose 1.0%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 106.2 points, or 70.7%. Last week, Van rates increased 3.5% to $2.71. Compared to last year, rates are up 36.5%.

For the Flatbed market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators decreased in the latest week. The Flatbed MDI decreased 15.0 points to 147.5 as load availability fell 9.7% and truck availability decreased 0.5%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 44.8 points, or 43.6%. Last week, Flatbed rates increased 0.9% to $3.31. Compared to last year, rates are up 41.3%.

For the Specialized market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators decreased in the latest week. The Specialized MDI decreased 0.4 points to 35.3 as load availability fell by 7.7% and truck availability decreased 6.7%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 10.7 points, or 43.8%. Last week, Specialized rates rose 2.6% to $3.34. Compared to last year, rates are up 32.8%.

Read the full report here.