Dry Van Rates

Dry Van Truckload (TL) Sector – March 2025

As of March 2025, the dry van truckload (TL) sector continues to navigate a landscape influenced by seasonal patterns, economic factors, and capacity dynamics. Below is an updated overview reflecting the latest data for February 2025, based on insights from ACT Research's Freight Forecast.​

Spot Market Rates

In February 2025, dry van spot rates experienced early-year strength due to weather-driven constraints but have since moderated back toward seasonal norms. The load-to-truck ratio stood at 7.8 (8.4 seasonally adjusted) in early February, up from the 2024 average of 6.1, reflecting post-holiday rebalancing and pre-tariff inventory stocking. However, excess capacity remains a headwind, delaying a full recovery in spot market conditions. ​

Contract Market Rates

Dry van contract rates have seen modest increases, reflecting the persistent gap between spot and contract rates. This trend supports gradual contract rate growth as fleets navigate economic uncertainties and regulatory considerations. ​

Overall, the dry van TL sector in February 2025 reflects a market adjusting to seasonal demand shifts, with spot rates showing early-year strength due to weather-driven constraints and contract rates experiencing modest increases. As the industry progresses through the year, monitoring these trends will be essential for stakeholders to navigate the evolving freight landscape effectively.

To see how dry van rates change in the future, and for detailed analysis and forecasts for truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal, see ACT's freight & transportation forecast.