Fuel Updates

As of early April 2026, US domestic truck fuel (diesel) prices have surged, with benchmarks in some regions climbing above $5 per gallon for the first time in more than three (3) years. This spike is largely driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. National averages for diesel have risen sharply, with some estimates placing the current rate at approximately $5.45 per gallon.

At the same time, the US domestic truck market is experiencing a notable tightening in capacity. Spot rates are climbing, fuel costs remain elevated, and freight demand continues to increase. Capacity is shifting in favor of carriers as the industry faces ongoing driver and equipment attrition. Additionally, produce season is beginning to ramp up in key growing regions, placing further pressure on already tightening capacity.

Reefer Freight:

• As of early April 2026, the domestic reefer (refrigerated) market is seeing a significant surge in rates and tightening capacity, marked by one of the strongest weekly gains of the year. The national average spot rate is $2.88 per mile (including fuel).
• Rising diesel prices are driving higher spot market rates and increasing operating costs for carriers.
• Stronger underlying demand is developing for spring shipping, with high-volume lane activity (e.g., 2,000-mile routes) influencing the national average.
• California citrus truckload capacity moved into shortage territory for the first time in 2026, shifting from adequate to constrained in early April. Across the border, the Yakima Valley in Washington experienced a slight shortage across all 10 lanes for the first time this year, while Florida continues to see high-volume but steady activity.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national average domestic reefer load-to-truck ratio is 16.9. Reefer loads decreased by 15% to 651,807, while equipment posts fell 4% to 38,533, which indicates that capacity eased at a slower pace than demand.

Van Freight:

• As of early April 2026, dry van spot rates continue to trend sharply upward, driven by tightening capacity and rising operating costs. Rates have now reached their highest levels since mid-2022, with the national dry van spot rate at $2.71 per mile (including fuel).
• A significant reduction in carrier capacity (partly due to operator exits and new driver regulations) has further tightened the market.
• April’s seasonal capacity contraction is adding additional pressure to a market already experiencing strained supply conditions.
• The Midwest continues to lead in demand, though rate increases there have slightly moderated compared to other regions. Key markets such as California are shifting toward a “slight shortage” designation as produce season impacts take hold.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national average dry van load-to-truck ratio is 9.0, reflecting a slight easing from the previous week’s ratio of 10.1 as the market experienced a pullback following the end of the quarter and the lead-up to the Easter holiday.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of early April 2026, domestic flatbed spot rates have surged to their highest levels since August 2022. Rates have shown consistent weekly increases, with recent reports indicating an average of approximately $2.95 per mile.
• Tightening capacity remains a major driver, with flatbed load-to-truck ratios rising sharply and showing an 81.6% year-over-year increase.
• Load post volumes continue to be strong, supported by heightened demand in sectors such as steel, machinery, and energy-related infrastructure.
• Strong demand persists in the Southeast and Midwest, particularly around major industrial hubs such as Gary, Indiana.
• Load-to-truck ratio: For the first week of April 2026 (ending April 4th), the national domestic ratio is 74.3, which indicates a highly constrained, carrier-favorable market with more than 74 available loads for every one truck posted.

We hope you have a fantastic week! If you need any assistance or have any questions, please reach out to your RIM Representative or to our Domestic Team at RIMDomestic@rimlogistics.com.