How Truck Spot Rates Are Shifting: Insights from April 2025
As of May 1, 2025, spot rates for dry van, reefer, and flatbed loads continue to fluctuate amid ongoing market uncertainties. According to data from DAT Freight & Analytics, the weekly moving average—excluding fuel surcharges—shows slight increases across all three modes for the week ending April 20.
Dry van rates – rose by one cent to $1.61 per mile.
Reefer rates – increased by one cent to $1.90 per mile.
Flatbed rates – edged up by one cent to $2.17 per mile.
The recent rise in reefer rates is linked to the start of peak produce shipping season in California and Florida, driven by harvests of crops like strawberries. Florida reefer rates, especially in Lakeland, jumped by 18 cents to $1.89 per mile, with Atlanta serving as a major destination.
Flatbed rates, however, continue to face market challenges due to reduced demand stemming from high home prices and mortgage rates that keep many potential buyers out of the construction market. After a brief decline, flatbed rates have increased in each of the last two weeks, following an eight-week streak of gains, signaling cautious optimism in that segment.
Overall, spot rates remain below recent pandemic highs but are showing signs of modest upward movement as market conditions evolve. Industry stakeholders are watching these trends closely to inform their capacity planning and contracting strategies.
