Van spot rates top contract for first time since 2022 as flatbed sets record
Dry van spot rates averaged $3.00 per mile in June, topping contract rates for the first time since February 2022, while flatbed spot rates set an all-time high of $3.69. Spot rates are up 39–45% year over year across all three equipment types even as volumes hold roughly flat — capacity, not demand, is driving the market. Diesel eased 1.9% to $4.58 per gallon after the spring spike, giving carriers some relief on costs. Carrier exits continue at a slowing but still-elevated pace, keeping capacity tight.
Outlook: June Class 8 orders surged more than 230% year over year and 2026 build slots are expected to fill completely this month, pushing new orders into 2027 delivery. Carriers who secure equipment and financing now lock in pre-EPA-2027 pricing and put trucks to work while spot rates sit at record levels.
Data: EIA, DAT, FreightWaves SONAR, BLS, FTR, ACT Research, FMCSA — Employment: 1.467M (-0.1% MoM)
