Mildly better than April, May exhibiting persistent rate pressures on VAN and REEFER brokerage spot buy rates continue. The most notable high single digit reductions for VAN at -11.1% and -4.4% vs. 2024H2 baselines for North and Southwestern states.
Flatbed markets, however, exhibiting stronger seasonal trends show inflationary patterns for all US regions excluding Northwest states.
- FTL Market Mixed WoW:
- Van rates remain largely flat week-over-week but continue trending slightly below 2024 levels.
- Reefer rates are holding steady, supported by seasonal produce demand.
- Flatbed rates continue to rise, driven by robust construction and industrial sector demand.
- Reefer demand is intensifying across key regions as harvests accelerate.
- Miami & Lakeland, FL – High volumes of tomatoes, citrus, and watermelon.
- South & Central CA – Continued strong shipments of lettuce, berries, and mixed vegetables.
- Next Up: WA & OR expected to ramp up by mid-June with apples and cherries entering the market.
- Cross-Border Trends:
- Mexico: YoY freight volumes still remain strong (+13%) with limited available capacity.
- Canada: Volumes stable, but softening signs continue; rates remain under slight downward pressure.
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