Spot truckload rates climbed sharply in June 2026, with the national average dry van spot rate rising above the contract rate for the first time since February 2022, according to load board operator DAT Freight & Analytics. The crossover signals a tightening market in which shippers pay more for on-demand capacity than under longer-term agreements.

DAT reported a June dry van spot rate of about $3.00 per mile, a reefer spot rate near $3.39, and a flatbed spot rate of roughly $3.69 per mile. The flatbed figure marked an all-time high in DAT's records, reflecting strong demand tied to construction, manufacturing, and industrial freight.

Linehaul rates, which strip out the fuel surcharge, ran lower across all three segments, at about $2.37 per mile for dry van, $2.70 for reefer, and $2.94 for flatbed. The gap between spot and contract pricing has narrowed steadily through 2026 as carrier capacity left the market and remaining fleets gained pricing leverage.

Analysts describe the shift as the clearest sign yet of a freight market recovery after a prolonged downturn that pushed many small carriers out of business. Spot rates typically move first when supply and demand rebalance, and a sustained premium over contract rates has historically preceded upward pressure on the contract rates that most large shippers pay. Rising diesel prices during July added further cost pressure across the sector.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking - https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/van-spot-rates-top-contract-rates-for-first-time-since-2022