Fuel Updates

Domestic diesel fuel prices for the week of May 5th, 2026, remain highly elevated, with the US average hovering around $5.35 per gallon. Operators are feeling the impact of significant regional spikes, including prices exceeding $5 per gallon in parts of the Midwest and West Coast. These elevated costs are largely driven by strong global oil demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The domestic truckload market in early May 2026 is also experiencing tightened capacity and rising rates, fueled by a 3.2% increase in truck postings and sustained flatbed demand. Spot market rates are up more than 20% year-over-year, while contract rates are seeing mid- to high–single-digit increases, signaling a strengthening environment for carriers. Despite fuel price volatility, overall freight rate growth continues to outpace rising costs, improving margins for many carriers, especially in the spot market where rates (excluding fuel) have climbed substantially.

Reefer Freight:

• As of early May 2026, national domestic reefer spot rates continue to trend upward, averaging around $3.12 per mile, with most markets falling between $3.12 and $3.30 per mile. High-demand, high-paying markets include Indianapolis, IN; Atlanta, GA; South Jersey, NJ; Carol Stream, IL; and Minneapolis, MN.
• Despite slower Florida produce volumes, elevated demand in the Northeast has helped keep national reefer rates stable and strong compared to last year’s lows.
• Equipment posts are down 13% year-over-year and 50% below long-term averages, signaling a market shifting from a sharp, weather-driven crunch to a more balanced (yet still tight) environment.
• Produce truckload volumes remain flat overall, though certain lanes are seeing strong activity as Vidalia onions move through South Texas and Florida experiences lower yields.
• Load-to-truck ratio: The national domestic reefer load-to-truck ratio rose to 13.2 in the most recent week, up from 12.4 the week prior, reflecting tightening capacity. While total reefer loads dipped 1%, a steeper 7% decline in available trucks pushed the ratio higher.

Van Freight:

• As of early May 2026, domestic dry van spot rates are tightening sharply, rising more than 30% year-over-year. National averages remain elevated, with key lanes (particularly in the Midwest and West Coast) often ranging from $2.60 to $3.50+ per mile.
• Dry van loads increased by 8.2%, with overall volumes sitting roughly 22% higher than the same week last year.
• Capacity remains tight, reflected in a recent 5% increase in the load-to-truck ratio. Despite a slight week-over-week dip in volume, demand is still significantly higher than last year and nearly double long-term averages.
• Pricing floors are strengthening across the market, supported by tighter capacity and rising volume in all regions, further confirming a continued recovery in freight demand.
• Load-to-truck ratio: As of early May 2026, the national dry van load-to-truck ratio indicates a tightening environment, with total load volumes approximately 40% higher than the same week in 2025. While exact ratios vary, recent figures remain elevated, generally ranging from 7.43 to 8.63.

Flatbed Freight:

• As of early May 2026, national average domestic flatbed spot rates continue to climb, driven by tight capacity and increased demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors. The national average now sits at $3.53 per mile.
• Capacity continues to tighten, with one report showing an 81.6% tightening compared to the same period last year. This is largely due to widespread carrier closures over the past two (2) years, reducing the overall number of trucks on the road.
• Regions with strong infrastructure, energy, and data center construction activity are seeing the highest demand, helping to offset softer and more inconsistent manufacturing and housing activity.
• Elevated diesel prices are pressuring carrier margins, with some reports noting high weekly averages throughout March and April 2026, reducing net income despite stronger spot rates.
• Load-to-truck ratio: As of early May 2026, the national domestic flatbed load-to-truck ratio is approximately 63:1. While this reflects a slight dip from late April, it remains historically strong due to sustained industrial and construction demand.

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.