Fuel Updates

Domestic truck fuel prices have surged to record highs for the week of April 13th, 2026, with the US national average for diesel reaching approximately $5.64 per gallon. This reflects a notable increase from the previous week’s average of $5.45 and is driving sharp rises in fuel surcharges for truckers.

The US domestic truck market is also experiencing significant capacity tightening in mid-April 2026. Spot rates are climbing rapidly, driven by strong industrial demand, increased manufacturing activity, and a reduced carrier base. Net of fuel, spot rates are roughly 20% higher year over year. Capacity is especially constrained in the Midwest, while rising diesel prices continue to add pressure nationwide. On the West Coast, produce demand is shifting from Arizona to Northern California, which may result in short-term rate volatility. Additionally, the upcoming CVSA ELD enforcement blitz (May 12th–14th) is expected to further restrict capacity just as the produce season reaches its peak.

Reefer Freight:

• As of early April 2026, the national average domestic reefer spot rate is approximately $2.97 per mile (including fuel), reflecting a strong surge driven by tightening capacity and the onset of the spring produce season.
• The market is experiencing a structural shortage of trucks following significant carrier shutdowns, rather than a typical seasonal imbalance in demand.
• Central California (Fresno) reefer tender rejection rates spiked above 14% in early April (the highest level since June 2025) as produce season ramps up, pushing up spot rates to Chicago and other key destinations.
• The market remains “leaner,” with surviving carriers taking a more selective approach and rejecting lower-paying freight.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national average reefer load-to-truck ratio is 16.9. Reefer loads decreased by 15% to 651,807, while equipment posts fell 4% to 38,533, indicating that capacity is easing more slowly than demand.

Van Freight:

• Domestic dry van spot rates are surging, reaching a national average of approximately $2.71 per mile (including fuel). Driven by tightening capacity and spring demand, rates have climbed to their highest levels since mid-2022, reflecting a notably “hot” market with substantial year-over-year gains.
• As of mid-April 2026, the domestic dry van market is experiencing significant structural tightening, driven primarily by a sustained reduction in carrier capacity rather than a spike in demand. This tightening has pushed rates more than 20% higher compared to early 2025.
• The Midwest and West Coast (LA/Ontario outbound) are leading rate increases, with high-demand lanes frequently reaching $2.60 to $3.50+ per mile.
• The spring shipping season is expected to be stronger than in recent years, likely extending capacity constraints further into the second quarter.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national average dry van load-to-truck ratio is 9.0, representing a slight easing from the previous week’s 10.1. Despite this modest dip, capacity remains tight due to reduced truck availability (now at a 10-year low) and elevated demand, keeping ratios significantly higher than in 2025.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of early April 2026, domestic flatbed spot rates remain strong, holding well above $2.50–$3.00 per mile, driven by high industrial demand, continued construction growth, and tightening capacity.
• The domestic flatbed market is experiencing a moderate, steady recovery supported by infrastructure projects, energy-sector activity, and constrained capacity, though it continues to lag behind the faster rebound seen in the reefer and dry van segments.
• Demand is strongest in regions tied to energy and industrial activity (particularly the South Central and Midwest)fueled by rising oil prices and ongoing infrastructure investment.
• Carrier attrition and a tightening driver market are reducing available equipment, further shrinking capacity and supporting rate stability.

Load-to-truck ratio: As of early April 2026, the national flatbed load-to-truck ratio remains exceptionally elevated at approximately 74.3 to 1. This reflects a strongly tightening market in which load volumes far exceed available equipment, driven by industrial activity and, notably, large-scale data center construction.