Fuel Updates

As of mid-April 2026, domestic US diesel fuel prices remain exceptionally high, with the national on-highway average hovering around $5.60 per gallon. Prices have surged largely due to ongoing geopolitical disruptions, and California continues to lead the nation with diesel costs exceeding $7.00 per gallon.

In the domestic US truck market, conditions are stabilizing with a lane-dependent recovery as the industry moves away from the overcapacity and depressed rates seen throughout 2024–2025. While not a rapid rebound, the market is experiencing a steady, supply-driven tightening. Freight rates are gradually trending upward, influenced by accelerated carrier attrition and rising operating costs. Capacity constraints continue to grow due to ongoing small-fleet closures and a decline in new truck orders. Overall, total per-mile operating costs reached record highs in early 2026, driven primarily by fuel and insurance expenses.

Reefer Freight:

• As of early April 2026, the national average domestic reefer spot rate is approximately $3.07 per mile (including fuel), despite a slight week-over-week decline. The market continues to face structurally tighter capacity and rising fuel costs, maintaining elevated rates (especially for food and produce), with major spot activity concentrated in the Southeast, Florida, and Southern Texas.
• Following a “winter-wrecked” supply period, rates in Florida have risen sharply due to the spring produce surge.
• The domestic reefer market is experiencing a strong, produce-driven seasonal upswing, with volumes up 28% year over year. Capacity is tightening in key regions, highlighted by significant surges in Yakima and early-season shortages emerging in Salinas.
• High diesel prices (approximately $5.37 per gallon in late March) continue to apply upward pressure on operating costs, with fuel surcharges making up a substantial share of current elevated rates.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national domestic reefer load-to-truck ratio fell 16.4% from the previous week, indicating a softening in demand relative to available capacity following earlier seasonal peaks. Reefer load volumes declined by 14%, bringing the ratio down to approximately 14.9, compared to higher levels seen earlier in the month.

Van Freight:

• National average dry van rates are currently in the $2.50–$2.70+ per mile range, with key lanes in the Midwest and along the West Coast often exceeding $3.00 per mile, driven by limited capacity reaching 10-year lows.
• Load post volumes are down week over week but remain significantly higher compared to 2025, with some reports showing increases of 40% or more.
• Despite the weekly decline, total load volumes are still up 48% versus the same period in 2025.
• Truck postings increased by 2.5%, indicating slightly more capacity entering the spot market, which is helping to stabilize elevated rates.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national domestic dry van load-to-truck ratio shows a slight loosening in capacity, currently hovering around 6.5 to 7.0 loads per truck.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of mid-April 2026, domestic flatbed spot rates have surged to their highest levels since 2022, with national averages exceeding $3.00 per mile, driven by strong industrial and construction demand.
• The tightening market is being driven primarily by reduced truckload capacity rather than a surge in freight volumes.
• Strong demand continues in regions supported by construction, utility, and infrastructure projects. In contrast, agriculture-related freight is lagging due to high dealer inventories of specialized machinery.
• Capacity continues to tighten significantly due to ongoing carrier attrition, even as overall freight demand remains relatively soft.

Load-to-truck ratio: As of early April 2026, the national domestic flatbed load-to-truck ratio is approximately 73.07, indicating a highly capacity-constrained, demand-heavy market. This follows a period of exceptional strength, with ratios recently reaching five-week highs and running more than 50% above the same period last year.