Back to August 2026 Industry Update
August 2026 Industry Update: Dry Van
DAT National Average Dry Van Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Average dry van spot linehaul rates increased for the fourth consecutive month in July, though at a fraction of the gains observed in the last two months, rising 0.5% MoM ($0.01) to $2.38.
- Compared to July 2025, dry van spot rates excluding fuel are up 46.2% YoY ($0.75) and 36.2% ($0.63) above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Dry Van RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported contract linehaul rates for dry vans continued their streak of strong gains in July, rising 4.4% MoM ($0.10) for the largest monthly increase since August 2020, and remaining 18.5% ($0.37) higher YoY than July 2025 levels.
- The sharp increase in the contract space, compared to minimal gains in spot rates, resulted in contract rates reverting to trend slightly above spot rates by 0.4%.
DAT Dry Van Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Despite further gains in rates, the dry van load-to-truck ratio declined for a second straight month in July, dropping 1.3% MoM to 10.47.
- On an annual basis, the dry van load-to-truck ratio remains well above the level recorded at the same time last year, at just over 62%, and roughly 119% above the 5-year average.
- According to DAT load board data, load post demand continued to soften in July for dry vans, dropping 17% MoM while equipment posts fell 15.5%.
DAT Dry Van Outbound Market Conditions Map, Past 30 Days
