Spot Rates Update

September brought a little more momentum to the truckload market but varied by equipment. All-in spot rates increased across van, flatbed, and reefer from August to September, while late-month load activity was mixed. 

Heading into October, C.H. Robinson and DAT expect rates to stay relatively flat to slightly down month over month, though still up significantly year over year. 

Persistently high fuel costs will squeeze carrier profits.

C.H. Robinson’s forward-looking projections still maintain an upward trend heading into 2027, with rates up 10% year over year, though with variation depending on equipment type.

Regional dry van rates remained tighter in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest.

Load-to-Truck Ratio

DAT reported 11.3 load-to-truck ratio for dry van, showing a continued tight market favoring carriers. Slight downward trend for flatbed, with dry van and reefer ratios more consistent.

October Outlook

C.H. Robinson expects the truckload market to remain relatively tight in October, although conditions should vary by equipment and region. 

• Dry van capacity is expected to ease somewhat seasonally
• Reefer capacity should loosen nationally as produce season winds down, with the Pacific Northwest remaining tighter
• Flatbed conditions are expected to remain relatively stable, although Northeast capacity could stay constrained by industrial, construction, and project freight. 

Overall, carriers should continue watching fuel costs closely, as higher diesel prices are influencing all-in rates and operating margins.

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