Business UpdateAug 11, 2026, 11:36 AM
DAT Reports Record July Contract Rate Hikes; Van Spot & Contract Rates Parity
AI Summary
DAT Freight & Analytics reported record June-to-July increases in contract rates for dry van and refrigerated truckload freight. This occurred despite declining freight volumes, indicating that available capacity is significantly influencing pricing. National average van spot and contract linehaul rates reached parity at $2.39 per mile in July, with overall contract rates rising across all equipment types.
Key Highlights
- Contract linehaul rates for dry van increased 13 cents/mile and reefer 9 cents/mile from June to July.
- National average contract rates (incl. fuel) in July: Dry van $3.01/mile, Reefer $3.29/mile, Flatbed $3.83/mile.
- National average van spot and contract linehaul rates reached parity at $2.39 per mile in July.
- DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) declined across all types: Dry van -6% MoM, Reefer -5% MoM, Flatbed -8% MoM.
- Reefer volume decline of 13% year-over-year was the steepest in six years.
- Average fuel surcharges decreased 1-2 cents/mile from June to July.
Price Impact
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