Monthly UpdateMay 18, 2026, 10:06 AM
DAT: April Truckload Rates Up Due to Fuel, Volumes Down
AI Summary
DAT Freight & Analytics reported that April truckload spot and contract rates increased sharply, primarily due to higher fuel costs rather than increased demand. The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) declined month-over-month across all equipment types, with van, reefer, and flatbed volumes down 3%, 9%, and 3% respectively. Linehaul rates saw only modest increases, except for flatbed, and the narrowing spot-to-contract rate spread indicates fewer available trucks relative to demand, not a demand-driven recovery, with small carriers continuing to exit the market.
Key Highlights
- DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) for van declined 3% from March to 251.
- Reefer TVI decreased 9% from March to 183.
- Flatbed TVI fell 3% from March to 306.
- National average spot van rate rose 15 cents to $2.67 per mile in April.
- National average spot reefer rate increased 14 cents to $3.11 per mile.
- National average spot flatbed rate climbed 37 cents to $3.46 per mile.
- Average van linehaul rate rose 5 cents to $1.96 per mile.
- Spot-to-contract van spread narrowed to 18 cents from 20 cents in March.
Price Impact
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