U.S. Bank, DAT launch quarterly truck freight rates report

Core Insights - U.S. Bank and DAT Freight & Analytics have launched a new quarterly research report focusing on U.S. truck freight rates, complementing the existing Freight Payment Index [1] - The inaugural report for Q1 2026 analyzed freight rate trends from late 2025, highlighting subtle shifts in spot and contract rates [2] Freight Rate Trends - Spot market rates increased from $1.62 per mile at the end of September to $1.67 per mile by the end of October, then decreased to $1.65 per mile by the end of November [2] - Contract rates remained stable at $1.99 per mile in September and October, rising to $2.01 per mile in early November, and slightly increasing to $2.02 per mile by December 1 [2] Fuel Surcharges - Fuel surcharges were consistent at $0.42 per mile from late August through October, dropping to $0.40 per mile in early November, and then rising to $0.43 per mile by December 1, reflecting a 7.5% increase due to refinery outages [3][4] Year-over-Year Comparisons - Both spot and contract rates were reported to be less than 1% higher compared to the previous year, attributed to typical seasonal patterns rather than structural changes [5] Regional Analysis - The Northeast region experienced stronger outbound freight volumes driven by manufacturing and retail activities, while the Southeast lagged due to weaker job markets and softer consumer spending [6] Market Dynamics - Structural changes in the market included a narrowing gap between contract and spot rates, providing shippers with opportunities to renegotiate lanes or conduct mini-bids [7] - Despite a widening gap in November, load volumes for both spot and contract rates declined [7]