Standard vs. Spot (Dynamic) Freight Quotes

Freight quotes generally come in two forms: standard and spot/dynamic.

Standard pricing is steadier and valid for a defined window.

Spot / dynamic pricing reflects the market in the moment, and can rise or fall quickly depending on capacity, demand, fuel, and timing.

This article explains what each rate type means, why prices change, and how to choose the best option for your shipment.

Standard freight quotes

A standard quote is based on a carrier’s baseline pricing for a lane, adjusted for your shipment details, such as:

• Mode (LTL, FTL…)
• Weight, dimensions, packaging, and stackability
• Equipment type
• Pickup and delivery location types
• Required accessorials

Standard freight quotes tend to offer more stable pricing and come with a clear validity window, usually between 7 and 30 days.

They’re ideal for recurring lanes, planned shipments, and shippers who prioritize predictable, budget-friendly rates.

Dynamic freight quotes

A spot quote is a real-time market rate for a specific shipment. It reacts quickly to conditions such as:

• How many trucks vs. loads are available
• Seasonal peaks and holidays
• Storms, network disruptions, or capacity tightening
• Urgency and timing

Spot rates usually have very short validity windows. They may fall below standard pricing when the market has plenty of available trucks, but can rise well above standard rates when capacity tightens.

Standard vs. spot freight quotes: which is more affordable?

Standard freight rates:

• Look for standard freight rates when you can ship within the rate’s validity window, and do not expect the pickup date to move far outside that range.
• Standard pricing is more affordable when you want predictable, stable costs instead of chasing day-to-day market dips.
• Standard works especially well if you have recurring or planned lanes, such as regular shipments between the same origins and destinations.
• It’s also a good choice when budget certainty matters more than finding the absolute lowest possible rate on a given day.

Spot freight quotes:

• Look out for spot freight rates when you need a truck quickly and timing is tight, for example for a rush or last-minute shipment.
• Spot quoting is also useful for one-off or urgent loads where you are not running a consistent lane and just need the best available option in the current market.
• Spot rates are often a good fit when you are shipping on a lane where trucks are plentiful, and capacity is easy to find, and you are able to book immediately when the price looks good, instead of waiting or re-quoting later.

No. Spot pricing reflects today’s market. It may be cheaper when capacity is loose and more expensive when trucks are in high demand.

Standard quotes are usually valid 7-30 days. Spot quotes are often valid for the day or a short window. If the pickup date moves or fuel prices change, it’s best to re-quote.

Fuel prices may have shifted, market conditions may have tightened, or simply too much time may have passed since the original quote (for example, more than 30 days).

If your shipment details changed in the meantime, the carrier will also re-rate the load based on the actual specs of the shipment that gets picked up.

If the carrier allows for both pricing types–yes. Depending on the carrier, you may be able to check spot pricing before booking.

Quote with accurate weight and dimensions, select the correct location types and all needed services upfront, book within the validity window, and re-check when timing or fuel changes significantly.