Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system rose week over week for both dry van and flatbed equipment during the week ended September 25 (week 38), but refrigerated van rates declined largely in line with seasonal expectations. The flatbed spot rate uptick also was seasonally expected, but the increase for dry van equipment was unusual for a comparable week. During the current week (week 39) dry van and flatbed spot rates almost always rise while refrigerated rates usually fall.

The total market broker-posted rate increased 1 cent a mile week over week. Rates were nearly 42% higher than in the same week last year. Rates excluding a calculated fuel surcharge continued to soften relative to the all-in rate, but they were still quite strong at up 34% versus the same 2025 week. Although carriers operating in the spot market typically do not receive surcharges, the calculation serves as a proxy for the portion of the rate needed to recover fuel costs. 

Fuel-adjusted spot rates are based on the record weekly average diesel price of $6.529 a gallon logged during the week ended September 21, according to the Energy Information Administration. Daily estimates reported by AAA suggest that diesel prices were roughly stable in the latest week, down about 7 cents per gallon.

For the Dry Van market, 2 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Van MDI increased 7.5 points to 266.4 as load availability fell 0.1% and truck availability fell 2.9%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 106.1 points, or 66.2%. Last week, Van rates increased 1.6% to $2.78. Compared to last year, rates are up 47.0%.

For the Refrigerated market, 4 of the 4 key market indicators decreased in the latest week. The Refrigerated MDI fell 9.7 points to 277.0 as load availability decreased 9.2% and truck availability decreased 6.0%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 112.0 points, or 67.9%. Last week, Refrigerated rates fell 2.1% to $3.49. Compared to last year, rates are up 46.0%.

For the Flatbed market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Flatbed MDI decreased 2.0 points to 158.5 as load availability increased 1.7% and truck availability rose 3.0%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 32.3 points, or 25.6%. Last week, Flatbed rates increased 0.2% to $3.32. Compared to last year, rates are up 42.5%.

For the Specialized market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Specialized MDI increased 1.2 points to 36.6 as load availability moved higher by 0.8% and truck availability decreased 2.5%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 12.4 points, or 50.9%. Last week, Specialized rates rose 0.8% to $3.40. Compared to last year, rates are up 34.6%.