The Mercury-Beemac Logistics Truck Market Update for week of 17 August through 23 August 2026

Good morning,

Along with the Market Outlook, is the latest Morgan Stanley Data for week of 17 August through 23 August 2026:

MARKET OUTLOOK:  Demand has come off the summer peak — flatbed volumes fell nearly 30% from June to July, and industry sentiment on demand weakened noticeably in the latest surveys. But this week didn't read like a market rolling over: load posts rose 5%, spot rates climbed in all three modes, and reefer capacity snapped 14% tighter. Fuel is the story underneath it all — up 4% again to $5.65, now 23% above the early-July low and 45% higher than last year. Rising fuel against uneven demand squeezes carrier margins, and that is what takes capacity out of the market. Year-over-year is still strong — Flatbed up 43%, Van up 47%, Reefer up 42%. Fuel is up 45%. September will tell us whether this was a pause or a turn.

VAN MARKET:  Van spot bounced 5% on the week, holding the August average right at $2.90 versus $3.00 in July. Load-to-truck was essentially flat and still runs 62% above last August. Contract edged up to $3.10, keeping a $0.20 premium over spot. Up 47% year-over-year — steady as it goes.

FLATBED MARKET:  The August slide paused — flatbed spot rose 3% this week, holding the monthly average at $3.55 against July's $3.64. Capacity retightened 4%, the first weekly tightening this month, after construction-season demand cooled through late summer. Contract kept climbing to $3.92, stretching its premium over spot to $0.37. Still up 43% on the year.

REEFER MARKET:  Reefer was the mover — capacity tightened 14% on the week, reversing two straight declines, and spot followed up 3% with the August average at $3.36. Contract held near $3.41, so the thin cushion over spot is intact. Still up 42% on the year.

Thanks very much, we hope you find the above information useful in your transportation planning. 

Brian Kostef

Managing Director