Spot Freight Volumes Rose 20% in September
Rising logistics costs have shippers evaluating intermodal alternatives as spot market activity surges.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Employment
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Truckstop reported that September spot market load volumes tracked 20% higher than year-ago levels, driven by significant gains in flatbed freight. This increase signals a shift for logistics operators, with dry van linehaul rates finally returning to inflation-adjusted baselines.
Why it matters
The surge in demand is compounded by rising operational expenses, including annual insurance premium hikes of 10% to 20% and record diesel costs in California. Shippers are now responding to proposed contract rate increases of 10% to 15% by seeking intermodal alternatives to manage supply chain budgets.
September spot market load volume increased 20% compared to the prior year, with 15% growth recorded through the first two-thirds of the month. Meanwhile, annual insurance premiums for carriers have climbed 10% to 20% for four to five consecutive years.
The players
Truckstop
A digital freight matching platform that connects carriers and brokers to facilitate spot market logistics.
The details
Flatbed freight volumes have surpassed COVID-era surges, fueled largely by construction activity for data centers and AI infrastructure. To mitigate liability risks following the Montgomery and Lupus court decisions, brokers are now requiring more granular safety data from carriers. Meanwhile, carriers are adjusting to these operational pressures by moving toward proactive internal safety data sharing.
Timeline
2005 marked the start of the baseline for inflation-adjusted linehaul rate tracking.
2008 was the previous record year for flatbed year-over-year freight gains.
September 2026 is the current period recording a 20% increase in spot load volumes.
Market Landscape
The current shift in broker requirements follows a pattern set by the Montgomery and Lupus court decisions, which heightened the legal necessity for transparency in carrier safety profiles. This focus on compliance is occurring as logistics rates return to inflation-adjusted baselines after years of below-trend performance.
Operators should review their logistics procurement strategies, as contract rate increases of 10% to 15% may necessitate a shift toward intermodal shipping. Ensure your internal safety data documentation is audit-ready, as brokers are increasingly prioritizing liability management in response to recent legal precedents.
The takeaway
The surge in infrastructure-related freight has created a new baseline for operational costs, with diesel and insurance premiums placing heavy pressure on carrier margins. Monitor your intermodal alternatives and ensure your safety records are digitized to meet rising broker liability demands.
Further reading
For a broader look at labor and market shifts, see our Employment section.
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