Fuel Updates

Fuel is at $3.74 for the week, which is down from $3.83 the previous week.

This week’s domestic trucking trends show rising spot rates for van freight, a notable increase in flatbed load-to-truck ratios, and continued volatility in freight demand driven by economic uncertainty. While overall demand has moderated, certain markets, like Atlanta, are showing renewed momentum, whereas others, including the Port of New York/New Jersey, are experiencing a decline in import volumes.

Reefer Freight:

• Spot rates sit at $2.42, driven by an increase in the load-to-truck ratio.
• Load volumes rose while the number of available trucks declined, indicating tightening capacity.
• Demand for reefer trucks is expected to remain strong heading into the holiday season.
• The reefer load-to-truck ratio rose 8.1% week over week, signaling a tighter market with more loads than available trucks.
• Capacity is expected to remain tight, particularly in certain regions, which could put upward pressure on rates.
• The overall market trend shows softness, with lower produce volumes continuing to impact the reefer market.

Van Freight:

• Spot rates sit at $2.07 per mile, influenced by factors such as increased regional demand, higher load-to-truck ratios, and seasonal shifts.
• The market is following its typical mid-November pattern of cooling, with dry van showing limited momentum heading into the holiday season.
• The market’s fragility, especially for carriers, could lead to volatility in 2026, particularly if freight demand rises or carrier capacity exits the market.
• With truck postings increasing and load postings declining, the Market Demand Index reached its lowest point since June, signaling easing capacity pressure.
• Winter storms could cause delays and disruptions, particularly in northern regions, making flexibility crucial for both carriers and shippers.
• Load-to-truck ratio: currently 6.59, with a weekly increase of 24.2% during November 17–23, according to DAT. This rise is driven by a surge in load posts (up 19.6% for the week) alongside a slight increase in equipment posts (up 0.2% for the week).

Flatbed Freight:

• Spot rates sit at $2.10–$2.11 per mile. While national averages show a slight increase, regional rates vary significantly. For example, Chicago rates rose by $0.13/mile last week to $2.73/mile, while rates in the Pacific Northwest declined.
• Demand for heavy materials such as concrete, steel, and piping remains strong in areas with high construction activity.
• Load posts have decreased significantly, while equipment posts have declined slightly.
• The Laredo-to-Houston lane is experiencing high demand due to ICE activities, driving a significant increase in spot rates.
• Load-to-truck ratio: For November 2025, it was approximately 30.02, up from the previous week’s 29.92. Flatbed load posts remained stable while equipment posts decreased, indicating tighter capacity in the flatbed market, particularly along the southern border.

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.