Fuel Updates
Domestic diesel fuel prices for the week of July 6th – 12th, 2026, have continued their notable decline from recent peaks. The U.S. national average on-highway diesel price stood at approximately $4.67/gallon as of late June (EIA data for week of June 29th), with further easing evident in early July readings around the $3.80–$4.00 range in some reports. Regional variations persist: the Midwest has moderated, while West Coast (especially California) prices remain elevated though also trending lower. Geopolitical factors, refining margins, and moderating demand have contributed to the relief, benefiting carrier margins amid ongoing volatility.
The domestic truckload market heading into mid-July 2026 shows continued tightening in capacity, supporting firm-to-elevated spot rates. Lingering supply constraints (carrier exits, regulatory pressures), seasonal factors, infrastructure/construction demand, and broader market dynamics sustain this environment. Spot rates remain significantly higher year-over-year in many segments, with flatbed particularly strong due to construction, energy, data centers, and emerging housing-related activity. The overall setup continues to favor carriers in spot markets, though fuel relief and potential post-holiday normalization call for monitoring.
Reefer Freight:
- National domestic reefer spot rates are in the $3.30–$3.50+ per mile range (all-in), holding relatively firm with seasonal produce and temperature-controlled demand. Linehaul portions are lower, but fuel surcharges and tight capacity support totals.
- Produce activity provides ongoing support in key lanes (e.g., Northeast, Midwest), though some week-to-week softening occurs. Volumes are generally strong year-over-year.
- Equipment availability remains constrained, with load-to-truck ratios elevated due to seasonal and structural factors.
- The national domestic reefer (refrigerated trailer) load-to-truck ratio recently registered at 22.1.
Van Freight:
- Domestic dry van spot rates sit elevated at roughly $2.80–$3.10+ per mile nationally in active lanes (Midwest/West Coast hotspots), with solid year-over-year gains.
- Load volumes are notably higher year-over-year, bolstering pricing amid tighter capacity from carrier exits and other constraints.
- Load-to-truck ratios remain firm and elevated.
- The domestic dry van load-to-truck ratio is currently hovering around 11.2 loads per truck.
Flatbed Freight:
- National average domestic flatbed spot rates stay very strong in the $3.50–$3.70+ per mile area, with upward pressure from robust demand in construction, infrastructure, energy, and data centers.
- Capacity is markedly tighter year-over-year, supporting pricing power.
- Regional industrial/infrastructure hotspots are especially firm.
- The national flatbed load-to-truck ratio is 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, even with easing fuel prices providing margin relief. Seasonal produce, infrastructure, data center, and emerging housing tailwinds combine with structural supply constraints. Expect a generally carrier-friendly environment—closely monitor fuel trends, capacity metrics, tender rejections, and post-holiday/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.