Spot Rates and Load Volume Close July on Firmer Footing
As July wrapped up, the national spot rate market showed signs of stabilizing after a typical mid-summer cooldown. Load volumes on the DAT One freight marketplace climbed 5% week-over-week, even as the number of available trucks dropped by 11%. That tightening capacity-to-demand ratio could put upward pressure on rates in the coming weeks — particularly if seasonal freight picks up.
Here’s how the major trailer segments closed out the month:
🚛 Dry Van: Slight Volume Bump, Capacity Tightens
Average Spot Rate: $2.02/mile (unchanged)
Linehaul Rate (excluding fuel): $1.65/mile
Van Load Posts: ▲ 1.01 million (up 4%)
Van Equipment Posts: ▼ 146,732 (down 11%)
According to DAT iQ industry analyst Dean Croke, “Dry van linehaul spot rates averaged $1.65 per mile — 2 cents higher than the same week last year.” The top 50 high-volume van lanes held at $1.99 per mile, keeping them about 34 cents above the national average.
While rates didn’t move, declining equipment availability paired with load growth could signal tightening conditions as we move into late summer retail restocking and pre-holiday shipping.
🥶 Reefer: Produce Imports Slow, But Volume Spikes
Average Spot Rate: $2.33/mile (unchanged)
Linehaul Rate (excluding fuel): $1.96/mile
Reefer Load Posts: ▲ 499,143 (up 12%)
Reefer Equipment Posts: ▼ 41,757 (down 10%)
Reefer rates held steady for the second week in a row, but the real story is in the volume shift. Croke noted that “Produce from Mexico typically accounts for over one-third of total North American produce volume in the first half of the year. Due in part to tariff uncertainty, volumes are now down 5% year-to-date.”
Even with those headwinds, reefer loads posted a solid 12% increase — suggesting that domestic seasonal produce and other temperature-sensitive freight may be picking up the slack.
🏗️ Flatbed: Market Holding, But Oil Patch Could Disrupt
Average Spot Rate: $2.43/mile (unchanged)
Linehaul Rate (excluding fuel): $2.06/mile
Flatbed Load Posts: 693,872 (virtually unchanged)
Flatbed Equipment Posts: ▼ 27,943 (down 12%)
Flatbed demand held steady overall, but the Texas oil patch may be headed for turbulence. The Permian Basin rig count dropped to 259 — its lowest since September 2021. With idle frac equipment stacking up and firms scaling back to avoid red ink, it’s possible we’ll see a shift in demand away from oil-focused flatbed freight and toward natural gas support lanes.
🧠 What This Means for Fleets
Flat rates may seem like a lull, but the real takeaway here is capacity tightening against rising demand. Equipment posts are down double digits across the board, and freight volume is starting to nudge upward — particularly in dry van and reefer.
If you’re a carrier, now’s the time to:
Monitor regional capacity fluctuations closely
Leverage load board data for emerging pricing trends
Ensure your insurance and compliance posture is locked in ahead of peak Q3 demand
At Allcom Insurance, we help fleet owners and independent operators stay protected and profitable in volatile markets. Whether you need cargo coverage, liability insights, or tools to help you vet brokers and loads, we’re here to keep you on the road with peace of mind.
📞 Need a policy tune-up ahead of peak season?
Call 866-277-9049 or visit www.allcomins.com to schedule a risk-free consultation with our commercial trucking experts.