Transportation Trendline: Secure Van, Reefer, and Flatbed Rates Now Before Price Increases


North American 3PL TA Services has released the Transportation Trendline, a market intelligence report delivering strategic insights on freight rate movements across dry van, reefer, and flatbed modes. The latest report confirms that spot rates are following seasonal patterns, with van and reefer rates declining, while flatbed demand gains momentum. Shippers who act now can lock in lower rates before the market rebounds.
“For those looking to gain an edge, now is the time to secure competitive rates in high-capacity regions,” said Jerad Dennis, Director of Pricing and Business Intelligence, TA. “With flatbed rates starting to climb, expanding carrier partnerships now ensures stability before the upswing accelerates.”
Key Market Trends:
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- Van Spot Rates – Down $0.14 per mile over the past two weeks as capacity expands.
- Reefer Rates – Dropped $0.24 per mile, despite a pre-Valentine’s Day demand spike.
- Flatbed Rates – Holding steady but rising, driven by industrial and construction growth.
“While we’re seeing predictable seasonal shifts, weather volatility remains a wildcard,” added Dennis. “A mild season could keep rates stable, but any major disruptions could create sudden spikes—especially in the Southeast and Midwest where flatbed demand is accelerating.”
FreightWaves reports that weather delays have softened rate declines in past years, but 2025’s market dropped faster than expected. With many carriers and brokers anticipating a weaker Q1, this is the moment for shippers to lock in lower rates and optimize costs.
The market is following typical seasonal trends, with van and reefer spot rates declining, while flatbed rates remain stable amid steady demand from construction and industrial sectors. Van and reefer rates on the West Coast are softening due to reduced import volumes linked to the Lunar New Year celebrations in China, which took place from Jan. 29 – Feb. 12, temporarily slowing outbound shipments from major port hubs. Southeast ports saw a seasonal surge in reefer demand, driven by flower shipments ahead of Valentine’s Day, as well as steady imports of perishable goods.
Overall, the market remains stable, with potential for slight increases in flatbed rates while van and reefer rates are expected to continue their gradual decline.
Access the full Transportation Trendline here: https://resource.taservices.com/transportation-trendline.
