Fuel Updates

As of mid-February 2026, US national average diesel fuel prices for the trucking industry are hovering between $3.68 and $3.81 per gallon, reflecting slight increases from the previous week.

The domestic truck market is simultaneously experiencing significant tightening, with spot rates for dry vans surging to their highest levels since early 2022 and holding around $2.08–$2.80 per mile. Capacity has tightened due to a reduction in active carriers and increased load demand, driving up rates for dry vans and reefers, while flatbeds are also showing strength. The market shed a net of 79 carriers over the prior week, indicating sustained capacity reduction. Projections suggest continued upward pressure on rates through March, driven by tighter capacity and potential regulatory changes.

Reefer Freight:

• National average reefer spot rates were strong, rising to approximately $2.94 per mile, an increase of 9 cents week-over-week.
• Average spot rates for reefers rose in early February, defying softer volume trends, with strong demand from California’s produce regions and increasing volume in Florida.
• Tight capacity is reported for produce (leafy greens and vegetables) in the Coachella and Imperial Valley regions, keeping rates elevated.
• While winter weather continues to disrupt networks, the market is expected to see a slight rate correction as seasonal high-volume food shipments ease.
• The market is dealing with tightened capacity due to severe weather, with total industry driver capacity down 110,000.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national reefer load-to-truck ratio decreased 16.4% compared to the previous week, according to DAT Trendlines. This decline follows a significant 13% surge the week prior. Despite the weekly drop, the market remains active with regional shortages, particularly as the Florida produce season begins.

Van Freight:

• Domestic dry van rates are generally higher than the same period in 2024 and 2025, with national averages hovering around $2.18 per mile. Midwest regions show higher rates (approx. $2.72/mile), while other regions (West, South, and East) are hovering around $2.20 per mile.
• The market is tightening, with the load-to-truck ratio reaching its highest point since March 2022 due to reduced truck capacity and strong regional demand, particularly on the West Coast.
• Truck capacity tightened as of early February 2026, with the market demand index rising, although some regions like Texas remained relatively loose in previous weeks.
• The market is showing signs of a “defensive” posture, where rate gains are largely driven by weather disruptions rather than a fundamental surge in freight demand. The market is expected to remain tight in the near term due to capacity constraints before transitioning into more typical spring patterns.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national dry van load-to-truck ratio dropped 8.5% compared to the previous week. While finalized nationwide weekly ratios are typically released mid-week, this drop indicates an easing of spot market capacity, driven by a 7.9% increase in truck posts and a slight 0.1% increase in load posts during that period, according to DAT Freight & Analytics.

Flatbed Freight:

• Domestic flatbed spot rates experienced a 0.8% increase, driven by a 4.9% rise in the load-to-truck ratio, indicating strengthening demand. Regional averages are led by the Midwest ($2.87/mile) and Southeast ($2.78/mile).
• The market is currently seeing a data center construction boom and strong industrial demand, which are likely driving higher demand for open-deck carriers in the spot market.
• Tariff uncertainty has caused recent market shifts, suggesting potential, albeit uncertain, impacts on manufacturing and prompting faster, more urgent, or localized shipping.
• The market is showing a strong year-over-year comparison in load activity, significantly outperforming the freight recessionary trends seen in 2025.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national ratio hit 88.5 loads per truck, up 11% from the previous week, driven primarily by construction materials and machinery, with regional capacity constraints contributing to the tightening.

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.