Flatbed Rates Rise While Van and Reefer Markets Cool in Early March

Key Details DAT Freight & Analytics reported shifting market conditions during the week of March 1-7. Flatbed loads jumped 4% on the DAT One marketplace, with spot rates climbing to $2.70 per mile. Meanwhile, dry van and refrigerated rates each declined 3 cents to $2.36 and $2.75 per mile respectively. Why It Matters Capacity constraints remain the primary driver of flatbed pricing rather than surge freight demand. Overall marketplace activity cooled slightly, with total load posts down 4% to 3.3 million and truck posts falling 4% to 219,869. Van Market Easing Dry van load posts totaled 1.31 million, down 8% week over week. Despite the decline, van volumes remain 53% higher than the same week last year and nearly double the 10-year average. The load-to-truck ratio fell to 8.1 from 8.4. Refrigerated Freight Softens Reefer loads declined 10% to 542,704 as produce availability improved. The USDA now reports adequate refrigerated truck availability across all 11 geographic regions for the first time in weeks. Florida rates have dropped significantly, ranging from $1,050-$1,250 compared to $2,100-$2,300 four weeks prior.