Linehaul rates increase annually despite a difficult August.

In August, national average van linehaul rates rose by 3 cents to $1.60 per mile, marking the first increase since March 2022, while reefer rates increased by 1 cent to $1.96 per mile. Despite this, contract rates remain negative year-over-year, reflecting ongoing pricing challenges. Spot rates declined from summer highs, with dry van rates down 5 cents. However, DAT reported a month-over-month volume increase in various segments, suggesting potential improvements in the market, although experts caution that a full recovery may still be premature.