Fuel Updates

Fuel is at $3.758 for the week, which is up from $3.727 the previous week.

Many carriers have taken nearly all of the steps they can to cut operating costs. Rate increases may need to occur to continue profitability.

Overall, deadhead miles continue to increase due to fewer opportunities in the marketplace.

Reefer Freight:

• The current national spot average is $2.44 per mile.
• Northern California is currently in the midst of peak produce season, with strong volumes of strawberries and mixed vegetables expected to continue throughout the summer months.
• We can expect to see steadily tightening conditions through August as produce season transitions into Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
• Produce volumes in Georgia and Florida are causing tight capacity, with Georgia seeing load-to-truck ratios as high as 30-1.

Van Freight:

• The current national spot average is $2.07 per mile.
• Rates in Q3 are expected to soften after the peak of produce and beverage seasons.

Flatbed Freight:

• The current national spot average is $2.57 per mile.
• Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas are seeing tight capacity due to a mix of project freight and rising summer demand.
• Hurricane season is now under way. While the peak typically occurs between September and October, tropical storms can be disruptive to all freight modes, but can be especially difficult for flatbed due to the building materials that must be hauled for reconstruction.

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.