US spot freight rates surged 23% year-over-year across major domestic lanes in early 2026, according to IndexBox market data, as the combination of reduced carrier supply and improving shipper demand pushed rates to their highest levels since mid-2022. The increase represents the sharpest twelve-month gain recorded by the IndexBox US freight tracking series.

Lane-specific data shows the most pronounced increases concentrated in the Southeast. The Atlanta-to-Chicago dry van corridor averaged $2,847 per load in Q1 2026, a 27% increase from the $2,241 average recorded in Q1 2025. The Dallas-to-Los Angeles lane rose 21%, while the Northeast-to-Southeast corridor gained 19%.

Fuel surcharges have moderated as a cost component compared to the 2022 cycle, reducing a key drag on net carrier revenue even as base rates recover. Diesel prices held near $3.85 per gallon nationally through the first quarter, compared to the $5.19 average seen during the previous rate peak.

Shipper response to rising rates has begun shifting procurement strategies. IndexBox survey data indicates that 38% of shippers with over $50 million in annual freight spend increased their allocation to contracted capacity in 2026, moving away from spot market exposure.

The truckload market is expected to see continued rate pressure through summer 2026, with potential moderation as new carrier registrations respond to improved economics.

Source: IndexBox -- https://www.indexbox.io/blog/us-trucking-freight-market-outlook-2026