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Current freight rates by equipment type and region for 2026. Real data from DAT — dry van $2.68/mi, reefer $3.12/mi, flatbed $3.46/mi with regional breakdowns.
If you have gotten a freight quote recently and wondered whether it is fair, this post gives you the real numbers. Here are the current national spot rates by equipment type, regional variations, and what is driving prices in 2026.
All data sourced from DAT Trendlines, the industry most-cited spot rate index:
| Equipment | Spot Rate (all-in) | vs. Last Month | vs. Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van FTL | $2.68/mile | ▲ +6.3% | ▲ +12% |
| Refrigerated FTL | $3.12/mile | ▲ +4.7% | ▲ +8% |
| Flatbed FTL | $3.46/mile | ▲ +12.0% | ▲ +27% |
| Power Only | ~$2.10–$2.30/mile | Steady | ▲ +5% |
| Region | Dry Van | Flatbed | Reefer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $2.47–$2.77/mile | $3.52/mile (highest) | $3.37/mile |
| Southeast | $2.65–$2.90/mile | $3.40/mile | $3.10/mile |
| Northeast | $2.19–$2.50/mile | $3.60/mile | $2.95/mile (lowest) |
| Southwest (TX/AZ) | $2.70–$3.00/mile | $3.30/mile | $3.20/mile |
| West Coast | $3.00–$3.50/mile | $3.80/mile | $3.50/mile |
Flatbed is the biggest story. Flatbed spot rates are up 27% year-over-year in May 2026 according to DAT — the fastest growth of any equipment type. The driver: data center construction. AI infrastructure spending is generating massive demand for structural steel, transformers, switchgear, and industrial equipment. Every data center going up in Virginia, Texas, or Arizona needs flatbeds to deliver materials.
Carrier capacity is tightening. Capacity remains 89.6% tighter year-over-year for dry van and 145.5% tighter for reefer compared to last year according to DAT Trendlines. Fewer trucks competing for the same loads means higher rates.
Diesel is up sharply. National average diesel reached $5.40/gallon in late April 2026 — up $1.86 versus one year ago. Fuel surcharges on all equipment types are elevated as a result.
Contract rates are averaging $2.63/mile for dry van nationally — just $0.16 above spot. When this gap is narrow, shippers with contracts get limited protection against spot volatility. C.H. Robinson projects +8% year-over-year growth in dry van contract rates for 2026. If your freight contract renews in Q3 or Q4, expect carriers to push for 8–12% increases.
Industry consensus points to rates continuing to firm through Q3 and Q4. Capacity tightening, seasonal produce and retail demand, and sustained infrastructure spending all support higher rates. Shippers who lock in contract pricing now will likely benefit versus waiting for spot exposure in peak season.
IZY Logistics is a licensed freight broker (MC #1615290) serving shippers across the United States. Get a competitive quote in under 30 seconds.
Get a Free Quote →Market data on Freight Rates 2026: What Shippers Pay Now is reviewed regularly since freight rates and capacity shift with fuel costs, seasonal demand, and carrier availability.
No. Rates vary by region, lane, and equipment type — national averages give a baseline, but your specific lane may run higher or lower.
Request a live quote from IZY Logistics with your specific origin, destination, and equipment type for an accurate number.
Yes, largely. A contract rate holds steady regardless of short-term market swings, while spot rates move with current conditions.
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