Freight Market Report

Monthly overview of spot rates, capacity, and market conditions for trucking professionals.

The freight market continues to show signs of tightening in Q1 2026. Dry van and reefer rates have climbed for the third consecutive month, driven by increased consumer demand and a slight capacity reduction as smaller carriers exit the market.

The load-to-truck ratio of 4.8:1 is well above the balanced market threshold of 3:1, indicating strong demand for carriers. Rejection rates climbing to 8.2% suggest carriers are becoming more selective, only accepting their most profitable loads.

Outlook: Rates are expected to remain elevated through spring produce season. Carriers should lock in contract rates now while the market favors them. Dispatchers should focus on building shipper-direct relationships to secure premium rates.

DispatchTool's AI Rate Intelligence gives you live lane rates, historical trends, and rate negotiation data right in your dispatch workflow.