Roper’s DAT Sees Spot Freight Rates up to $3.09 per Mile, Fuel Surcharges Jump 50%
Roper unit DAT reports March truckload volumes climbed 12% for vans, 7% for reefers and 18% for flatbeds, driving national spot rates to $2.52–$3.09 per mile—a two-year high. Diesel fuel surcharges soared by up to 50%, lifting contract rates by 20–30 cents per mile while compressing linehaul margins.
1. Freight Volumes Climb
Roper’s DAT Truckload Volume Index rose in March across van (253, +12% MoM), reefer (196, +7%) and flatbed (314, +18%) segments, reflecting robust early-season demand for retail goods, produce and industrial equipment.
2. Spot and Contract Rate Surge
National average spot rates jumped to $2.52 per mile for vans, $2.97 for reefers and $3.09 for flatbeds—a two-year high—while contract rates reached $2.72, $3.10 and $3.43 per mile respectively, each up 20–30 cents month over month.
3. Fuel Surcharge Impact on Margins
Diesel fuel surcharges climbed by 50% from 2025 levels—rising to 61¢ per mile for vans, 67¢ for reefers and 73¢ for flatbeds—compressing linehaul margins even as total rates grew.
4. Outlook and Pricing Strategies
As shippers navigate RFP season, carriers are revising contracts with fuel-transparent pricing and contingency clauses to manage price volatility and margin pressures.