Fuel Updates

As of mid-March 2026, US domestic truck diesel prices have surged significantly, with national averages reaching approximately $4.83 to $4.98 per gallon, which is an increase of more than 33% year-over-year. Rising fuel costs are putting pressure on freight and trucking companies and may lead to higher surcharges.

At the same time, the domestic US truck market is experiencing notable volatility, driven by the sharp rise in diesel prices and tightening freight capacity. Truckload carriers are seeing increased tender rejections, and spot rates have begun to overtake contract rates, which is an early sign of higher costs for shippers. Additionally, ongoing federal policy changes affecting driver licensing and immigration are restricting the driver pool, further tightening capacity. Although overall freight volume remains sluggish, the industry is preparing for more pronounced rate increases throughout 2026.

Reefer Freight:

• As of mid-March 2026, domestic reefer spot rates are showing signs of softening after recent highs, with national average rates for refrigerated freight dropping to around $2.78 per mile. Despite this slight decline, rates remain significantly higher than in previous years.
• Reefer load posts decreased by 2.0% to 5.8%, depending on the source, indicating a dip in demand, while truck posts saw a slight increase of 0.4%.
• Major western markets, including Los Angeles and Fresno, experienced rate declines. The Southeast market also remains soft, with limited outbound volume.
• Although the market is loosening, reefer spot rates are still significantly higher year-over-year (up 4.7% to 5.2%), reflecting a stronger market compared to early 2025. Capacity is beginning to stabilize, but conditions suggest the market is still in a transitional phase.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The ratio has fallen to 14.07 from previously elevated levels, indicating that while demand remains strong, truck capacity has improved, particularly in key produce regions.

Van Freight:

• As of mid-March 2026, the national average dry van spot rate is showing signs of strengthening, with recent data indicating a rate of roughly $2.47 per mile.
• The domestic dry van market is experiencing a supply-driven recovery, with spot rates remaining elevated despite a slight softening in volumes.
• Dry van capacity has loosened slightly as load posts decreased by 4.6%. Despite this, the market remains tight, with load postings 31.5% higher than the same week in 2025.
• With diesel prices up roughly 28% over the past two (2) weeks, many owner-operators are staying in the market rather than exiting, contributing to a “supply-driven recovery” in rates.
• The market is currently in a phase where capacity constraints (both equipment and drivers) are sustaining higher rates despite comparatively soft demand. Conditions are expected to remain tight, with tender rejections potentially rising above 14%.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The domestic dry van load-to-truck ratio remains elevated due to tightened market conditions, with recent data showing a ratio of 8.1.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of mid-March 2026, the national average flatbed spot rate increased by 5.6 cents to $2.72 per mile.
• The flatbed freight market is experiencing a strong and sustained upward trend in March 2026, marked by rising rates and tightening capacity.
• Flatbed load volumes increased by 4% to 5.3%, depending on the index, marking the sixth consecutive week of growth driven by stronger manufacturing and construction activity.
• Rates rose in all regions except the West Coast, with the Southeast and Midwest showing consistently high (and in some cases elevated) rates.
• Load-to-truck ratio: As of mid-March 2026, the national flatbed load-to-truck ratio continues to show significant strength, with recent data indicating a sharp increase to 56.92 loads per truck.

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.