Fuel Updates

Fuel is at $3.77 for the week, which is up from $3.75 the previous week.

The domestic trucking market remains sluggish, with low freight volumes but rising contract rates and slightly higher spot rates for both refrigerated and dry van equipment driven by pre-holiday demand. Capacity continues to be fragile as many carriers exit the market, which could create volatility toward the end of 2025. Flatbed rates dipped slightly this week, though they are still higher than they were last year.

Reefer Freight:

• Spot rates currently sit at $2.11, with the Southeast seeing higher rates at $2.87 and California at $2.46.
• The holiday season is increasing demand for refrigerated transport, which is helping to push rates upward.
• Available trucks have decreased, further tightening capacity and strengthening rates.
• The load-to-truck ratio was 5.5 for the week of November 10th, 2025, falling 13% due to a 13% drop in reefer load posts and a 16% increase in posted capacity.
• The ratio is now lower than it has been in recent weeks, suggesting an oversupplied market.

Van Freight:

• Spot rates currently sit at $1.67–$1.71 per mile.
• A slight decline in load volumes is noted, but overall market capacity remains ample.
• The market is stable but not growing, with rates and volumes plateauing after a period of fluctuation.
• Capacity remains plentiful for now, though some analysts expect a tighter market in the coming weeks as seasonal demand increases.
• This is considered a normal seasonal dip, and carriers and shippers should prepare for potential changes as the holiday season approaches.
• Load-to-truck ratio stood at 6.59, according to DAT Freight & Analytics. This figure reflects a recent slowdown in US trucking activity, with a slight increase in loads despite a drop in equipment posts.
• Some southern border lanes, such as Laredo and Nogales, have seen significant increases in load posts (20–35% week-over-week).

Flatbed Freight:

• Spot rates currently sit at $2.51 per mile.
• The boom in AI-driven data center construction is a major factor contributing to increased flatbed demand.
• The West Coast continues to see a decline in available loads.
• Higher demand persists in the Southeast, particularly in markets like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Jackson, pushing spot rates higher.
• Load-to-truck ratio was approximately 25.3 loads per truck, slightly down from the previous week’s ratio of 26.4, as load posts dropped 4% while truck posts increased modestly.

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.