Truckstop Spot Load Volumes Up 20% in September; Flatbed Gains Strongest Since 2008

Truckstop's spot market load volume is tracking roughly 20% above year-ago levels for September 2026, with flatbed freight posting its strongest year-over-year gains since 2008 — surpassing even the COVID-era surge, COO and Chief Strategy Officer Sean Dehan said. Flatbed demand is driven largely by data center construction and AI infrastructure investment. Van and reefer volumes reflect a capacity story rather than demand, with some shippers exploring intermodal alternatives amid proposed 10% to 15% linehaul contract rate increases. Dehan said insurance premiums have risen 10% to 20% annually for four to five consecutive years, and diesel hit a record $10 per gallon in California, pressuring carrier margins despite improving spot rates. He also addressed broker liability fallout from the Montgomery and Lupus rulings, saying broker customers now demand more carrier safety data. Truckstop is developing tools for carriers to proactively share safety data, shifting vetting toward a collaborative model.