Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system rose week over week for all principal equipment types during the week ended October 2 (week 39), and the rate increases were stronger than usual for comparable weeks in previous years. Refrigerated spot rates usually decline in comparable weeks, though they rose during the same week last year. Dry van spot rates posted the strongest increase since at least 2008 for that week of the year. Flatbed spot rates rose for a third straight week.

Total load activity increased 2.6% after being essentially flat during the previous week. Volume was up close to 11% versus the same 2025 week. Truck postings fell 4.6%, and the Market Demand Index – the ratio of loads to trucks – rose to its highest level since mid-July. 

For the Dry Van market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Van MDI increased 46.6 points to 313.0 as load availability rose 10.6% and truck availability fell 5.9%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 147.6 points, or 89.3%. Last week, Van rates increased 2.7% to $2.86. Compared to last year, rates are up 50.4%.

For the Refrigerated market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Refrigerated MDI increased 41.3 points to 318.3 as load availability rose 3.4% and truck availability decreased 10.0%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 91.1 points, or 40.1%. Last week, Refrigerated rates rose 1.5% to $3.54. Compared to last year, rates are up 49.1%.

For the Flatbed market, 2 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Flatbed MDI rose 5.2 points to 163.7 as load availability fell 2.2% and truck availability decreased 5.3%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 39.1 points, or 31.4%. Last week, Flatbed rates increased 0.9% to $3.35. Compared to last year, rates are up 43.5%.

For the Specialized market, 3 of the 4 key market indicators increased in the latest week. The Specialized MDI increased 2.6 points to 39.2 as load availability moved higher by 4.5% and truck availability decreased 2.4%. Compared to last year the MDI is up 12.9 points, or 48.9%. Last week, Specialized rates rose 0.7% to $3.42. Compared to last year, rates are up 36.4%.