Back to May 2026 Industry Update
May 2026 Industry Update: Dry Van
DAT National Average Dry Van Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Average dry van spot linehaul rates resumed their upward trend in April after a March pullback, rising 2.8% MoM or $0.05, to $1.96.
- On an annual basis, dry van spot linehaul rates increased approximately 25% YoY and remained 18% above their long‑term average, while all‑in spot rates rose 6.0% MoM and 36.2% YoY.
DAT National Average Dry Van RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported dry van contract rates, excluding fuel, increased by just over $0.02 MoM and were 18.3% higher than in April 2025.
- Faster acceleration in spot rates narrowed the contract‑to‑spot premium from 10.5% in March to 8.7% in April.
DAT Dry Van Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- The dry van load‑to‑truck ratio declined for the first time this year, falling from 9.14 in March to 7.49 in April, though it remained 67% higher than year‑ago levels.
- Spot load postings declined 17.5% MoM, while equipment postings increased modestly by 1.1%.
DAT Dry Van Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
