Spot Market Load Volumes Rose in September
Truckstop reported a 20% increase in spot load volume compared to year-ago levels this month.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Employment
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Truckstop data indicates that spot market load volumes for September have climbed 20% higher than the same period last year. This surge in freight activity is largely propelled by record-breaking growth in flatbed volumes tied to massive infrastructure investment.
Why it matters
The rise in spot freight activity highlights significant shifts in logistics as shippers pivot toward intermodal alternatives to offset rising contract rates. Meanwhile, increased demand for carrier safety data by brokers reflects a growing need to mitigate legal liability.
Spot load volume growth reached 15% for the first two-thirds of September, while insurance premiums for carriers have risen 10% to 20% annually for four to five years. Diesel prices have also reached a record $10 per gallon in California.
The players
Truckstop
This logistics technology company provides a platform for freight matching and spot market data analysis.
The details
Robust demand for flatbed freight has surpassed levels seen during the COVID-era surge, driven by intensive data center construction and AI infrastructure spending. Dry van linehaul rates have finally returned to their inflation-adjusted baseline after years of trailing behind that threshold.
Timeline
2005 marked the start of the inflation-adjusted linehaul rate chart baseline.
2008 previously held the record for year-over-year flatbed freight gains.
September 2026 is the period for the current 20% increase in spot load volumes.
Macro View
The current freight market conditions mirror historical cycles where infrastructure investment drives spikes in heavy-haul demand. This trajectory follows a pattern set by the Montgomery and Lupus court decisions, which fundamentally altered how carriers manage safety data.
Consumers may notice shifts in shipping costs as companies face contract rate increases between 10% and 15%. These inflationary pressures, coupled with record diesel prices in California, impact the overall cost of goods and supply chain stability.
The takeaway
Businesses are increasingly navigating a complex cost environment characterized by rising insurance premiums and infrastructure-driven demand. Companies must balance these higher operational expenses with the strategic use of intermodal options to remain competitive.
Further reading
For broader trends in the labor and industrial landscape, visit the United States Employment section.
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Do you expect the rising cost of freight shipping to make everyday goods more expensive?
