Roper Technologies' DAT unit said May spot truckload rates climbed across equipment: van rates rose 22 cents to $2.89 per mile, reefer rates increased 24 cents to $3.35 and flatbed rates gained 19 cents at $3.65. TVI volumes dropped 9–14% across equipment due to inspection blitz and enforcement attrition.
The DAT unit reported broad spot rate gains in May, with van rates rising 22 cents to $2.89 per mile, reefer rates up 24 cents at $3.35 and flatbed rates increasing 19 cents to $3.65. Fuel surcharges remained elevated but linehaul rate hikes drove the pricing momentum.
Despite the higher rates, the DAT Truckload Volume Index fell month over month, dropping to 233 for vans (–9%), 172 for reefers (–10%) and 267 for flatbeds (–14%), indicating lower freight volumes in May.
Capacity pressures stemmed from a CVSA inspection blitz, Memorial Day disruptions and immigration enforcement reducing driver availability. Carriers pulled equipment during inspections and shifted loads toward contract freight to secure fuel surcharge recovery, tightening spot market supply.
Compared to May 2025, spot van rates jumped 90 cents, reefers climbed 99 cents and flatbeds rose $1.07, while contract van, reefer and flatbed rates increased 54, 57 and 70 cents respectively, highlighting significant annual pricing strength.
