Truckload spot rates moved to their highest levels in two years during early 2026, according to data from DAT and U.S. Bank. The spot van rate reached $2.52 per mile in March 2026, with reefer at $2.97 per mile and flatbed at $3.09 per mile.

The climb has been steady. Spot rates averaged $2.01 per mile in February, up from $1.65 in November 2025. Van and reefer rates have risen consistently since August, when the van rate averaged $2.03 per mile and reefer sat at $2.41 per mile. Over the March 2025 through February 2026 window, spot linehaul pricing increased more than 23 percent while contract rates rose about 5 percent.

That divergence narrowed the long-standing gap between spot and contract pricing. By March 2026 the spread had compressed to roughly $0.11 per mile, about $0.28 per mile tighter than a year earlier. A narrowing spread often signals a tightening market where carriers regain pricing leverage.

Looking ahead, C.H. Robinson projects dry van cost per mile up 8 percent year over year in 2026 and refrigerated van up 6 percent, driven in part by higher diesel costs.

Source: U.S. Bancorp and DAT - https://ir.usbank.com/news-events/news/news-details/2026/U-S--Bank-and-DAT-Truck-freight-rates-show-modest-uptick-in-early-2026/default.aspx