Truckload freight volumes rose across all major equipment types in March while a sharp jump in fuel costs pushed spot and contract rates to their highest levels in more than two years, reported DAT Freight & Analytics.
The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) reflects strong early-season demand to move retail goods, produce, and construction and industrial equipment.
“Linehaul rates were still under pressure through most of March, which tells you demand hasn’t fully caught up yet,” says Ken Adamo, DAT Chief of Analytics. “For context, monthly average van fuel surcharges averaged around 40 cents per mile throughout most of 2025. The March reading represents a 50% increase from that baseline.”
Key takeaways:
· National average truckload spot rates increased in March, driven almost entirely by fuel cost recovery:
Spot van rate: $2.52 per mile, up 11 cents from February
Spot reefer rate: $2.97 per mile, up 9 cents
Spot flatbed rate: $3.09 per mile, up 37 cents
· Contract freight rates increased sharply in March, driven largely by the same fuel-cost dynamics that affect the spot market.
Contract van rate: $2.72 per mile, up 20 cents month over month
Contract reefer rate: $3.10 per mile, up 22 cents
Contract flatbed rate: $3.43 per mile, up 30 cents
