With businesses continuing the reopening process, and shipments from the 2021 spring harvest season underway, national van, flatbed and reefer rates are at historic highs. The national average spot truckload van rate in March 2021 was $2.65, up almost 30 cents from the monthly average high of $2.36 at the start of the year. March Reefer spot rates hit a high of $2.94 in March, and Contract rates also reached a new high at $2.77 (national average) for March.

According to DAT Trendlines™, Van spot rates are up 41.9% from a year ago in March 2020, while Reefer spot rates are up over 34% from an average of $2.19 in the same period a year ago. With the ongoing 2021 produce season underway, refrigerated equipment is in high demand and more carriers are making equipment available on the spot market.

At Capital Logistics, we continue to monitor the trends in van, and especially in reefer shipping. Our extensive expertise in temperature control transportation as well as our formidable carrier relationships allows us to deliver the most reliable service level in the industry, while working to maintain price stability for our shippers.