Freight Pulse | Snapshot (8.25.25 - 8.31.25)
Staying informed in a shifting freight landscape is key to making smarter logistics decisions. Our latest Freight Pulse report highlights critical market movements you should know.
Freight Market Snapshot (8.25.25 - 8.31.25)
Van Rates: The van load-to-truck ratio surged by 16.9%, signaling a notable tightening in capacity. Spot rates rose by 1.5%, indicating that stronger demand is beginning to translate into upward pricing pressure. This marks a shift from recent stability, as the van market shows signs of building momentum.
Flatbed Rates: Flatbed load-to-truck ratios increased by 3.6%, suggesting modest tightening in availability. However, spot rates were unchanged, reflecting that pricing power remains limited. While demand is steady, the absence of rate growth highlights a flat but stable market environment.
Reefer Rates: The reefer load-to-truck ratio jumped by 21.2%, indicating significantly tighter capacity in the temperature-controlled segment. Spot rates also climbed by 2.2%, showing strong demand is beginning to lift pricing. This combination suggests strengthening conditions, with reefer freight emerging as a leading driver of market activity.
Fuel Prices: Diesel prices held flat again this week, providing neither additional pressure nor relief on carrier operating costs. Rate and volume trends remain the primary drivers of margin shifts across equipment types.
CAPACITY TRENDS
Van: Capacity tightened sharply, with higher spot rates confirming increased pressure on pricing.
Flatbed: Conditions tightened modestly, but static rates point to limited pricing leverage.
Reefer: Capacity tightened significantly, and rising rates show demand is beginning to increase pricing.
MARKET OVERVIEW
This week’s freight market showed stronger demand signals, with spot load posts up 11.6%. However, available trucks also rose, leading to nuanced shifts across equipment types. Vans and reefers posted significant gains in load-to-truck ratios and corresponding rate increases, signaling building momentum in those markets. Flatbeds, by contrast, remained steady with tighter conditions but flat pricing. With fuel prices unchanged, the week’s results highlight strengthening demand in key segments, particularly reefer, while the overall market continues searching for a broader equilibrium.
Let's connect if you have questions about how these trends impact your freight strategy! Our team is here to help you navigate shifting conditions and optimize your supply chain.
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Special Projects & Real world visualizer
¶ Real world visualization via USD Explorer ( Nvidia Omniverse ) to help with warehousing storage and creating a better flow based on Supply and Demand - Outbound : Combine partial orders into one truck, displays how to re-layer pallets and improves loading/unloading efficiency. Inbound : Integrate sales/purchasing database with ICQA and determine highest IN/OUT SKU → remapping usable warehouse space to create more efficient flow, low moving sku’s or long term projects in Inbound/Receiving Area, high moving SKU’s closest to outbound dock and special scenarios like partial pallets stored in floor pick through area easily accessible. Class code mapping and rules for rack projects, save time on pick waves and know exactly what is in your warehouse top to bottom.
