Fuel Updates
Domestic diesel fuel prices continued their upward climb this week. The U.S. national average on-highway diesel price increased to approximately $5.13/gallon for the week of August 3rd, 2026, up roughly 33 cents from the prior week as higher wholesale fuel costs continued working through the supply chain. Although crude oil prices softened following renewed diplomatic discussions in the Middle East, diesel prices remain elevated due to the lag between crude and refined fuel markets. Regional price disparities remain significant, with the West Coast and California posting the highest pump prices while Gulf Coast markets continue to offer the lowest diesel costs.
The domestic truckload market has entered early August with freight demand easing from late-July levels while capacity remains relatively tight. Spot rates across all equipment types softened modestly due to normal seasonal patterns following the peak produce season, yet pricing remains above historical norms. Carriers continue to benefit from constrained capacity created by elevated operating costs, recent carrier exits, and higher fuel expenses, while shippers are seeing improved tender acceptance compared to earlier in the summer but continue to closely monitor transportation costs.
Reefer Freight:
- Reefer spot rates are holding near the top of their seasonal range at an average of $3.63 per mile in key bellwether states, staying mostly flat or managing tiny gains despite minor linehaul dips masked by surging fuel prices.
- Despite the seasonal slowdown, reefer capacity remains tighter than historical averages because persistent summer heat across much of the country continues supporting demand for temperature-controlled equipment.
- Overall demand has cooled from early summer highs as southern produce seasons wind down, though California regions continue to exhibit tighter capacity and localized shortages.
- General spot momentum is stabilizing into late August while contract rates remain firm year-over-year as shippers and carriers navigate narrower leverage margins.
- The national domestic refrigerated (reefer) load-to-truck ratio rose to 19.38 for the week of August 3rd, 2026, up from 17.11 the previous week.
Van Freight:
- National dry van spot freight rates average approximately $2.99 per mile, with top bellwether markets tracking around $3.04 per mile.
- The domestic dry van market is cooling down as summer demand normalizes, featuring lower spot rates, decreased load volumes, and a shrinking load-to-truck ratio.
- National dry van load posts dropped 7.5% week-over-week, while equipment posts fell 3.2%.
- Summer shipping volumes have flattened or softened compared to prior spring surges.
- The national domestic dry van load-to-truck ratio rose to 10.9 (up from 9.9 the previous week).
Flatbed Freight:
- Domestic flatbed spot rates face seasonal declines this week, averaging around $3.55 per mile with linehaul-only rates near $2.95 per mile.
- The domestic flatbed market is experiencing a seasonal cooling phase following strong summer performance.
- Load posts dropped roughly 9% over the week as broader heavy-industrial demand leveled off.
- Data center infrastructure, steel movement (such as out of Gary, Indiana), and energy-sector projects continue to provide a solid floor for specialized capacity.
- The domestic flatbed load-to-truck ratio tightened to 41.1 loads per truck this week, rising from 39.5 the previous week.
Overall Market Outlook
The truckload market begins August in a transitional phase. Seasonal freight demand is cooling across all equipment types, resulting in modest declines in spot rates and load-to-truck ratios. However, elevated diesel prices, disciplined carrier capacity, and ongoing operating cost pressures continue supporting the overall freight market. While shippers are seeing improved network stability compared with the volatility experienced earlier this summer, transportation costs remain well above long-term averages, and fuel prices will continue to be the primary driver of market conditions heading further into August.
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.