Back to October 2026 Industry Update
October 2026 Industry Update: Dry Van
DAT National Average Dry Van Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Average dry van spot linehaul rates eased further in September following a sharp contraction in August, dropping 0.8% ($0.02) MoM to $2.17.
- Compared with September 2025, dry van spot rates excluding fuel remain 32.8% ($0.54) higher YoY and 22.3% ($0.40) above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Dry Van RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported contract linehaul rates for dry vans declined slightly for the first time since August last year, down 0.3% ($0.01) MoM, but remain 19.8% ($0.40) higher YoY than September 2025 levels.
- Contract rates continued trending at a 10.6% premium relative to spot rates in September.
DAT Dry Van Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Despite the slight easing in rates, the dry van load-to-truck ratio spiked in September, rising 9.6% MoM to 11.33.
- On an annual basis, the dry van load-to-truck ratio remains well above 2025 levels by 73.5% YoY and was 138.5% above the 5-year average.
DAT Dry Van Outbound Market Conditions Map, Past 30 Days
