US truckload spot rates climbed to a record $3.83 per mile in early June 2026, topping the roughly $3.50 to $3.60 per mile peak reached during the pandemic freight boom, according to market data. National van spot rates averaged about $3.02 per mile later in June as the market held elevated levels.

Rate momentum built through the year. First-quarter spot rates finished 16.5% above the prior year, up from a 5.2% gain in the fourth quarter of 2025. Analysts expect spot rates to run 20% to 25% above prior-year levels for the remainder of 2026.

By equipment type, contract van rates sat at $2.72 per mile, contract reefer at $3.10, and contract flatbed at $3.43. Flatbed spot rates rose more than 30% year over year in May, setting a record.

Capacity signals reinforced the pricing shift. Tender rejections reached 17.55%, the highest since 2022, indicating carriers held greater pricing power. Spot rates moved above contract rates for the first time since 2021. Falling driver availability, contracting capacity, and stricter enforcement tightened the market faster than freight demand alone would suggest.

Source: Transport Topics -- https://www.ttnews.com/articles/truckload-spot-rates