’Twas A Spot Rate Surge In The Week Before Christmas

Data from Truckstop.com and FTR Transportation Intelligence for the week ending December 19 showed a much stronger spot market than usual for a period that ended nearly a week before Christmas.

Broker-posted rates in the Truckstop.com system rose sharply across all equipment types. Dry van spot rates were especially strong, posting their best year-over-year comparison since February 2022 and reaching their highest level since January 2023.

Aside from two weeks earlier, refrigerated spot rates were the highest since the start of 2025. Flatbed spot rates posted their largest year-over-year increase since mid-2022 and were at their highest since April this year. Spot rates are likely to rise sharply again this week and typically increase during the week that includes New Year’s Day.

Recently published data on trucking employment indicates a notable decline in active capacity in recent months, potentially setting the stage for stronger spot rates—especially if holiday trucking demand was higher than usual. However, variations in when holidays fall during the week can disrupt seasonal patterns, so any confirmation of a sustained market shift will need to wait until at least January.

The modest increase in load postings, coupled with the decline in truck postings, resulted in a Market Demand Index of 108.0 – the strongest level since the week of the International Roadcheck roadside inspection event in May.