Fuel Updates

As of Monday, January 5th, 2026, the estimated national average price for domestic truck fuel (on-highway diesel) is $3.50 per gallon.

The domestic truck market remains in a prolonged correction phase entering Q4 2025. Freight volumes are soft, but capacity is gradually tightening due to ongoing carrier exits. Spot rates have stabilized near contract levels, while post-holiday demand is increasing despite typical slowdowns following the peak season. At the same time, diesel prices remain elevated and new truck orders continue to decline.

Overall, the market is transitioning from a period of severe contraction toward rebalancing, with carriers increasingly focused on optimizing lanes and operational efficiency.

Reefer Freight:

• National Average: DAT’s December 2025 data suggests a national average of approximately $2.64 per mile, with notable regional variations.
• Rates firmed in early December due to winter weather disruptions and increased holiday-related food movement; however, this strength was expected to be temporary.
• While rates remain higher than the same period last year, the market continues to show signs of structural oversupply as the produce season winds down.
• Strong demand and elevated pricing have been observed in Texas markets such as McAllen and Laredo.
• As of early January 2026, reefer (refrigerated) truck-to-load ratios are fluctuating seasonally. Reports from late 2025 indicate ratios in the 13–14 range, signaling strong reefer demand as peak produce season concluded, with tight capacity driving higher rates in key markets like Texas and California.

Van Freight:

• For the week ending in early January 2026, dry van spot rates showed mixed movement. Some reports indicate slight increases driven by holiday demand shifts, while overall volumes dipped, with national rates settling in the $2.00 to $2.26 per mile range.
• A combination of post-holiday volume declines and potential winter weather impacts in the Midwest influenced these rate movements.
• This week’s dry van market presents mixed signals: seasonal holiday volumes are tapering off, but certain regions, particularly the Midwest, are experiencing increased demand due to winter weather, pushing spot rates modestly higher.
• Carriers continue to prioritize operational efficiency and cost control amid ongoing economic pressures.
• Continued volatility is expected as seasonal patterns intersect with unpredictable winter weather conditions.
• Load-to-Truck Ratio: In early January 2026, dry van demand varies by region. Markets such as the Midwest (notably Chicago) are experiencing tighter capacity and higher outbound rates (around $2.60 per mile)driven by holiday restocking and weather-related disruptions, while national volumes have softened.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of early January 2026, flatbed spot rates have shown recent increases. DAT reported a 3.5% week-over-week gain for the week ending December 28th, 2025, driven by demand from data center projects and construction activity. National rates are expected to hover in the low-to-mid $2.00s per mile range.
• The Laredo–Houston lane experienced a notable rate increase, with pricing nearing $3.00 per mile.
• The flatbed market continues to see robust demand, which is placing upward pressure on spot rates.
• Strong regional markets—such as the Great Lakes, supported by steel demand—are expected to remain a focus, though national volumes may fluctuate seasonally.
• Load-to-Truck Ratio: As of early January 2026, the flatbed load-to-truck ratio has been volatile. Recent DAT reports show a decline in load postings, contributing to a 41.4% week-over-week decrease in the ratio.

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.