Fuel Updates
Domestic diesel fuel prices have continued their decline from recent peaks. The U.S. national average on-highway diesel price stood at $4.578/gallon for the week of July 6th (EIA data), down from $4.668 the prior week and showing further easing into mid-July. Regional variations remain: the Midwest has moderated notably, while West Coast (especially California) prices stay elevated (around $5.4–$6.07 nationally in PADD 5, with CA higher) but also trending lower overall. Geopolitical factors, refining margins, moderating demand, and seasonal patterns have driven this relief, providing welcome margin support for carriers amid broader volatility.
The domestic truckload market into mid-July 2026 continues to show tightening capacity overall, supporting firm-to-elevated spot rates post-holiday. Lingering supply constraints (carrier exits, regulatory pressures), seasonal and infrastructure demand, plus broader dynamics sustain this. Spot rates are significantly higher year-over-year in many segments, with flatbed remaining particularly strong due to construction, energy, data centers, and housing-related activity. The environment continues to favor carriers in spot markets, though fuel relief and any post-holiday normalization warrant close monitoring.
Reefer Freight:
- National domestic reefer spot rates (all-in) are holding firm in the $3.40–$3.50+ per mile range, supported by seasonal produce and temperature-controlled demand. Linehaul rates have seen recent gains (e.g., around $2.85 recently).
- Produce activity continues to bolster key lanes (e.g., Northeast, Midwest), with volumes generally strong year-over-year despite some week-to-week fluctuations.
- Equipment availability remains constrained, with elevated load-to-truck ratios due to seasonal and structural factors.
- The national domestic reefer load-to-truck ratio was recently around 22.1 (with some reports showing tightness persisting).
Van Freight:
- Domestic dry van spot rates are elevated nationally at roughly $2.80–$3.10+ per mile (all-in around $3.06 in recent data) in active lanes, particularly Midwest/West Coast hotspots, with solid year-over-year gains.
- Load volumes remain notably higher year-over-year, bolstering pricing amid tighter capacity.
- Load-to-truck ratios are firm and elevated.
- The domestic dry van load-to-truck ratio has hovered in the 11.2 range recently (with variations post-holiday).
Flatbed Freight:
- National average domestic flatbed spot rates remain very strong in the $3.50–$3.70+ per mile area (recent all-in around $3.68), with upward pressure from robust demand in construction, infrastructure, energy, and data centers.
- Capacity is markedly tighter year-over-year, supporting carrier pricing power.
- Regional industrial/infrastructure hotspots are especially firm.
- The national flatbed load-to-truck ratio stands elevated at 43.1 loads per truck.
Overall, the truckload market maintains a tightening trajectory into mid-July 2026. Tighter capacity underpins supportive conditions for carriers in spot markets, complemented by easing fuel prices for margin relief. Seasonal produce, infrastructure, data center, and emerging housing tailwinds, alongside structural supply constraints, point to a generally carrier-friendly environment. Closely monitor fuel trends, capacity metrics (including load-to-truck and tender rejections), and any post-holiday or seasonal shifts. 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.