Dry Van Rates Jump 32.6%

Good news for truckers! Dry Van spot rates are much higher than a year ago.

On November 2, 2026, DAT Freight & Analytics reported that the average Dry Van spot rate reached $2.23 per mile, excluding fuel.

That's 32.6% higher than the same week last year, an increase of $0.55 per mile.

Rates also increased by $0.03 per mile compared with the previous week.

The number of posted loads increased 8.4%, while available truck postings dropped 5.7%.

That means more freight is competing for fewer available trucks.

California had one of the strongest markets, with average rates reaching $2.62 per mile.

But not every state is doing well. Florida and southern Georgia averaged just $1.34 per mile.

!What This Means for CDL Drivers

For owner-operators, higher freight rates could mean better earnings.

A 1,000-mile load at $2.23 per mile brings $2,230 before fuel and other expenses.

But rates depend on the route, and higher freight prices do not automatically mean higher driver pay.