World Economy

Spot Rates Decline Across Reefer, Flatbed and Dry Van Equipment

Spot linehaul rates weakened across all major equipment categories this week as freight demand softened. Reefer rates averaged $2.71 per mile excluding fuel, down $0.02 from the prior week. Flatbed equipment saw steeper declines, with rates falling to $2.62 per mile—a $0.05 drop week-over-week. Dry van posted $2.20 per mile, down $0.01. The multi-equipment decline reflects shifting freight patterns and reduced agricultural shipments that have pressured open-deck capacity. Tractor sales fell 10.9%, signaling weaker demand heading into the second half. Carriers report freight still moving, but shipment patterns have redistributed geographically, leaving some regions underutilized while demand concentrates elsewhere.