SpringMarch — May

Spring Freight Surge

Average pay boost: +10-20% over winter lows

Season Overview

The spring freight surge is the trucking industry's annual wake-up call, running from March through May as the economy shakes off winter and multiple sectors ramp up simultaneously. Construction materials start moving north as projects resume, produce season kicks off in the South, manufacturing output increases after winter slowdowns, and retailers begin building inventory for summer. This convergence creates what industry analysts call 'the spring tightening' — a period when freight volumes rise faster than carrier capacity can adjust. Spot rates typically climb 10-20% from February lows, and carriers begin competing aggressively for drivers with sign-on bonuses and mileage guarantees. For drivers, spring is the time to negotiate better contracts, explore new carriers, or lock in favorable dedicated routes before summer demand absorbs available capacity. The drivers who position themselves well in March often ride the wave of rising rates through the entire spring-to-fall freight season.

Top States

  • Texas
  • California
  • Georgia
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Illinois

Equipment Needed

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer
  • Step deck

Companies Hiring

  • Knight-Swift
  • Schneider National
  • Werner Enterprises
  • J.B. Hunt
  • FedEx Freight

Pay & Timing

Pay Boost+10-20% over winter lows
Active MonthsMarch — May
SeasonSpring

Tips for Drivers

Practical advice to help you make the most of spring freight surge.

  1. 1

    Start job shopping in February — carriers post their best sign-on bonuses and CPM rates in late winter to lock in drivers before the spring surge hits.

  2. 2

    If you're an owner-operator, avoid signing long-term contracts at winter rates — spring spot rates will be significantly higher within weeks.

  3. 3

    Get your annual DOT inspection done in January or February so you're road-ready when spring freight ramps up in March.

  4. 4

    Target flatbed or construction freight — these sectors see the sharpest spring rate increases as outdoor projects resume across the country.

  5. 5

    Update your DAC report and MVR before spring recruiting season — carriers pull these reports before extending offers, and clean records get priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do trucking rates increase in spring?
Spring rates rise because multiple freight sectors ramp up simultaneously: construction resumes, produce season starts, manufacturing increases output, and retailers build summer inventory. This demand surge outpaces carrier capacity that was right-sized during the slower winter months.
When exactly does the spring freight surge start?
The spring freight surge typically begins in mid-to-late March and runs through May. The earliest indicator is produce freight moving out of Florida and Texas, followed by construction materials in April and general manufacturing increases through May.
How much do trucking rates increase in spring?
Spot rates typically increase 10-20% from February lows to May highs. Some lanes and equipment types (especially flatbed and reefer) can see even larger swings depending on weather patterns and regional construction activity.
Should I switch carriers in spring?
Spring is often the best time to switch carriers or negotiate a raise because driver demand outpaces supply. Carriers are most willing to offer sign-on bonuses, higher CPM, and guaranteed miles during the March-May recruiting push.
What types of freight drive the spring surge?
Construction materials (aggregate, steel, lumber), produce and agricultural products, manufacturing components, retail inventory, and home improvement goods all contribute to the spring surge. Flatbed and reefer see the largest percentage increases.

Other Seasonal Opportunities

Produce Season Trucking

March — September · +20-35% over base rates

Holiday Peak Season Freight

October — December · +15-25% over base rates

Harvest Season Hauling

August — November · +20-30% over base rates

View All Seasonal Guides →

Don't Miss This Season

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