Freight Pulse | Snapshot (8.18.25 - 8.24.25)

Staying informed in a shifting freight landscape is key to making smarter logistics decisions. Our latest Freight Pulse by D&L Transport report highlights critical market movements you should know.

Freight Market Snapshot (8.18.25 - 8.24.25)

Van Rates: The van load-to-truck ratio decreased by 1.1%, indicating a slight easing in demand or increased available capacity. Despite this, van spot rates held steady, unchanged from the previous week. Even as capacity loosens slightly, this rate stability suggests a market searching for balance but still lacking strong upward pricing momentum.

Flatbed Rates: Flatbed load-to-truck ratios rose modestly by 0.2%, reflecting very stable conditions in the segment. Spot rates increased by 0.8%, showing signs of improving demand or tightening supply. However, the movement remains limited, indicating only slight pricing strength amid broadly flat market dynamics.

Reefer Rates: The reefer load-to-truck ratio climbed 1.2%, signaling minor tightening in the temperature-controlled segment. Despite this, spot rates declined by 1.3%, suggesting weaker seasonal demand or a rebound in truck availability. This divergence points to ongoing volatility in the reefer market and uncertainty about near-term pricing trends.

Fuel Prices: Diesel prices remained unchanged this week, providing no additional cost pressure or relief. With fuel stable, carrier operating margins are primarily influenced by rate and volume trends, which vary by segment.

CAPACITY TRENDS

·         Van: Slight loosening capacity, with flat rates indicating limited pressure in either direction. The market appears stable but not strengthening.

·         Flatbed: Conditions remain mostly unchanged, though the uptick in rates hints at possible gradual improvement in pricing power.

·         Reefer: Capacity tightened modestly, but falling rates suggest demand is not yet strong enough to support higher pricing.

MARKET OVERVIEW

This week’s freight market showed mixed signals. Spot load posts increased by 2.8%, but truck posts rose even more at 4.1%, pointing to slightly looser market conditions overall. Load-to-truck ratios were relatively flat across equipment types, with only minor changes. While flatbed rates showed modest gains, van rates were steady, and reefer rates declined—highlighting uneven conditions across segments. With fuel prices flat, the market remains in a holding pattern, lacking the clear momentum needed for broader rate recovery.

If you have questions about how these trends impact your freight strategy, let’s connect! Our team is here to help you navigate shifting conditions and optimize your supply chain.