Author

J.T. Callahan

Freight Markets Analyst · 9+ years in trucking

J.T. Callahan analyzes spot and contract freight markets for Bonafide. He spent six years as a pricing analyst at a top-25 freight brokerage before joining Bonafide to write market intelligence for carrier clients.

Expertise

Spot vs. contract rates
DAT load board strategy
Lane forecasting
Reefer & produce season

Credentials

• 9 years in freight pricing
• Former 3PL pricing analyst

Articles by J.T. Callahan

What's a Fair Dispatcher Percentage in 2026?Fair 2026 U.S. dispatch percentages: 8–10% for owner-operators, 5–7% for fleets of 3+ trucks. Below 5% usually hides fees; above 10% overpays for value.
Average Trucking Rates Per Mile in 2026 (By Equipment)2026 U.S. trucking rates per mile by equipment — dry van $2.10, reefer $2.45, flatbed $2.80, step deck $3.30, RGN $4.00+. Regional swings explained.
Spot Rates vs. Contract Rates ExplainedWhen spot pays more, when contract pays more, and how U.S. working carriers split their week between the two — with the 60/40 rule.
Seasonal Freight Rate Trends Every Carrier Should KnowProduce season, back-to-school, peak season, and the post-holiday lull — the four U.S. freight seasons and how carriers plan around them.
What Does OTR Mean in Trucking? The Complete 2026 GuideOTR (over-the-road) trucking is long-haul freight hauling across states or coast-to-coast, typically 400+ miles per load, with drivers away from home 2–6 weeks at a time. This guide covers the definition, pay, HOS rules, endorsements, lifestyle, and how owner-operators actually make money in OTR.