Fuel Updates

Domestic diesel fuel prices for the week of May 19th, 2026, remain highly elevated with little relief. The US national average on-highway diesel price stood at $5.639/gallon as of May 11th (latest detailed EIA data), essentially flat from the prior week’s $5.640, but sharply higher than earlier in the month. Regional variations persist: Midwest prices often exceed $5.70–$7+ at truck stops amid refinery and supply issues, while West Coast (particularly California) averages remain well over $6–$7. Geopolitical tensions, tight domestic supply, and ongoing disruptions continue to support these elevated levels and squeeze carrier margins.

The domestic truckload market in mid-to-late May 2026 shows sustained tightness in capacity and supportive (elevated) spot rates, amplified by high fuel costs, DOT Blitz Week (May 12th–14th) impacts, and seasonal factors. Spot rates are significantly higher year-over-year, with flatbed remaining particularly robust due to construction, energy, infrastructure, and data center activity. Overall, the environment favors carriers in spot markets, though fuel volatility is a persistent challenge.

Reefer Freight:

• National domestic reefer spot rates hold strong upward momentum into mid-May, with averages often in the $3.00–$3.30+ per mile range (linehaul lower, all-in higher due to fuel). High-paying lanes persist in the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast.
• Produce activity is mixed: Florida volumes have slowed in spots, but Northeast demand and items like Vidalia onions from South Texas provide support. Overall volumes are stable to slightly softer week-over-week in some segments, but year-over-year demand is notably stronger.
• Equipment availability stays constrained (truck posts lower year-over-year), supporting a tight market.
• Load-to-truck ratio: Recently elevated (around 13+ in early/mid-May reports, with upward pressure from DOT Blitz Week and seasonal demand).

Van Freight:

• Domestic dry van spot rates are elevated and tightening further, with national averages commonly in the $2.60–$3.50+ per mile range in active lanes (Midwest and West Coast as hotspots). Year-over-year gains are significant (often 20–30%+ on spots).
• Recent data shows dry van loads notably higher year-over-year (e.g., double-digit percentage gains in snapshots), helping underpin pricing.
• Capacity remains tight from cumulative carrier exits, regulatory/seasonal factors, and DOT Blitz Week effects.
• Load-to-truck ratio: Elevated and firming, with recent figures in the 7–9+ range (e.g., rising toward ~8.3:1 or higher in late April/early May data) and volumes substantially above 2025 levels.

Flatbed Freight:

• National average domestic flatbed spot rates continue strong, recently around $3.50+ per mile (with ongoing upward pressure and record or near-record levels in some reports). Demand from construction, infrastructure, energy, and data centers is a key driver.
• Capacity tightening is pronounced (major year-over-year drops in available trucks), supporting robust pricing even with high fuel.
• Regional hotspots linked to industrial and infrastructure projects are very strong, helping offset any softer areas in manufacturing or housing.
• Load-to-truck ratio: Remains historically elevated, recently reported in the 60–70+:1 range (with minor fluctuations but overall strength).

Overall, the market maintains its recovery and tightening trajectory into late May 2026. Tighter capacity continues to outweigh fuel cost pressures for many carriers, particularly in spot markets. Effects from DOT Blitz Week are still rippling through, and seasonal produce/infrastructure demand adds support. Expect volatility to persist as high fuel and supply dynamics play out. 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.