Fuel Updates

As of Monday, January 26th, 2026, the national average price of diesel fuel—the benchmark for domestic trucking—is $3.53 per gallon.

In late January 2026, the US domestic truckload market remains in an extended correction phase, transitioning from a period of severe contraction toward rebalancing. Capacity continues to tighten due to ongoing small-carrier attrition. While freight volumes are still soft, tender rejection rates remain elevated above 10% (well above 2025 levels) signaling a more balanced, and potentially tightening, market despite low seasonal demand.

Reefer Freight:

• As of mid-January 2026, national spot reefer rates are averaging approximately $2.64 per mile.
• While recent weeks have seen a slight decline in overall market rates, the reefer segment is performing relatively better than other sectors, with rates remaining above the 2025 average.
• Florida produce volumes increased 9% week over week, with tomatoes and early strawberries driving demand.
• The market is preparing for a seasonal surge in demand with the upcoming Valentine’s Day floral season and the Super Bowl, both of which traditionally boost refrigerated freight.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national reefer load-to-truck ratio fell 27% to 13.69. Although overall volume declined, capacity remains tight in key regions such as California and Nogales due to the early produce season, despite generally cooler market activity.

Van Freight:

• As of mid-January 2026, national average dry van spot rates are entering a post-holiday cooldown following a high-demand period. Early-year forecasts suggest rates could dip to approximately $1.60–$1.70 per mile (linehaul) by spring.
• While early January 2026 saw temporary rate spikes driven by winter weather disruptions, the market has since moved into a seasonally slower period.
• Despite the broader national slowdown, localized pockets of demand (such as in the Midwest) have periodically supported higher rates, though these impacts are expected to be temporary.
• Even with the short-term drop in demand, some reports point to ongoing capacity tightness due to increased regulatory pressure on the driver pool (e.g., ELD, CDL requirements, English proficiency standards).
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national dry van load-to-truck ratio dropped sharply by 33.7% week over week. This followed a 19.2% decline in spot load posts and a 9.3% increase in truck equipment posts, signaling a significant loosening of capacity and a market shift toward more available, unused equipment.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of mid-January 2026, national flatbed spot rates have shown early-year strength, supported by a significant increase in load volumes. Regional variances: Recent outbound averages included approximately $2.77 in the Midwest, $2.73 in the Southeast, and $2.27 in the West, though these figures shift weekly.
• Flatbed demand remains elevated, with load volumes reaching their highest levels since early 2025.
• Notable activity continues in the Rocky Mountains and Midwest, often driven by weather-related demand, manufacturing output, and infrastructure-related projects.
• The market remains characterized by constrained capacity and strong demand, likely influenced by ongoing infrastructure, construction, and industrial activity.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national average flatbed load-to-truck ratio decreased 3.4% week over week, indicating a slight loosening of capacity. Despite this dip, the ratio remains extremely strong on a year-over-year basis (up 75.5% compared to December 2024) signaling continued tight market conditions.

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.