Fuel Updates
Domestic diesel fuel prices reversed their recent decline. The U.S. national average on-highway diesel price stood at $4.796/gallon for the week of July 13th (EIA data), up from $4.578 the week prior. Regional variations persist: the Midwest has seen some moderation, while West Coast prices (especially California) remain elevated but continue to reflect broader volatility. Geopolitical tensions, refining margins, demand patterns, and seasonal factors are influencing this uptick, which may pressure carrier margins after recent relief.
The domestic truckload market into late July 2026 maintains a tightening capacity environment overall, supporting firm-to-elevated spot rates post-holiday. Lingering supply constraints (carrier exits, regulatory pressures), seasonal and infrastructure demand, plus broader dynamics continue to sustain this. Spot rates remain significantly higher year-over-year across many segments, with flatbed particularly strong due to construction, energy, data centers, and housing-related activity. The environment favors carriers in spot markets, though any normalization, fuel movements, and post-holiday adjustments warrant close monitoring.
Reefer Freight:
- National domestic reefer spot rates (all-in) remain firm in the $3.37–$3.45+ per mile range, supported by seasonal produce and temperature-controlled demand. Linehaul rates have held recent gains (around $2.88). Rates have experienced a slight seasonal softening following the early-July peak, but remain roughly 20% to 40% higher year-over-year
- Produce activity continues to support key lanes (e.g., Northeast, Midwest), with volumes generally strong year-over-year.
- The Southeast/Georgia remains relatively tight for agricultural produce (tomatoes, watermelons) following a strong hand-off from Florida. Capacity in Yakima, WA is loosening as cherry and stone fruit season ramps up.
- Equipment availability stays 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.
Van Freight:
- Domestic dry van spot rates are elevated nationally at roughly $2.88per mile (all-in around $3.00–$3.06 in recent data) in active lanes, particularly Midwest/West Coast hotspots, with solid year-over-year gains. Spot recently topped contract rates for the first time in years.
- Despite recent cooling, the spot market has remained robust enough that dry van spot rates topped contract rates recently for the first time since early 2022.
- Load volumes remain notably higher year-over-year, bolstering pricing amid tighter capacity.
- Carrier exits and stringent broker vetting protocols have structurally reduced the pool of available, compliant trucks. This means capacity is highly sensitive to localized disruptions.
- The domestic dry van load-to-truck ratio has hovered around 11.2 recently (with some post-holiday variation).
Flatbed Freight:
- National average domestic flatbed spot rates remain very strong at $3.64 – $3.97 per mile with upward pressure from robust demand in construction, infrastructure, energy, and data centers. Flatbed has shown record or near-record strength.
- Texas (Houston/Dallas) continues to be a primary anchor of strength, posting high rates well above national averages due to strong energy and industrial activity.
- Midwest & West Coast: The Upper Midwest (such as Minnesota) and West Coast are experiencing significant softening and volume drops.
- Shippers are seeing a split in demand. Consumer goods are sluggish, but industrial, electrical, and data center (AI) build-outs remain strong.
- The national flatbed load-to-truck ratio stands elevated at 53-55 loads per truck.
Overall, the truckload market maintains a tightening trajectory into late July 2026. Tighter capacity underpins supportive conditions for carriers in spot markets. Seasonal produce, infrastructure, data center, and emerging housing tailwinds, alongside structural supply constraints, point to a generally carrier-friendly environment. We recommend closely monitoring fuel trends (now ticking higher), capacity metrics (including load-to-truck ratios 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