Freight Intelligence
Freight Market Data & Rate Trends
Current national average freight rates, regional breakdowns, capacity conditions, and seasonal trends. Updated monthly to help you plan smarter shipments and negotiate better carrier rates.
Last updated: March 2026 | Data sources: DAT, Truckstop, FMCSA, EIA
National Averages
Current Freight Rates by Equipment Type
National average per-mile rates for the three primary equipment types. Rates include fuel surcharges and reflect loaded miles only.
Dry Van
+3.2%$2.28/mile
Range: $2.15 – $2.45/mile
Steady demand from retail restocking and manufacturing output
Reefer
+4.7%$2.68/mile
Range: $2.55 – $2.85/mile
Early produce season and pharmaceutical cold chain demand
Flatbed
+1.1%$2.92/mile
Range: $2.75 – $3.15/mile
Construction and infrastructure spending holding rates stable
Quarterly Trends
Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025 Rate Comparison
Quarter-over-quarter rate changes show the direction of the freight market. All three equipment types are trending upward entering 2026.
| Equipment | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.21 | $2.28 | +3.2% |
| Reefer | $2.56 | $2.68 | +4.7% |
| Flatbed | $2.89 | $2.92 | +1.1% |
Regional Rates
Freight Rates by Region
Freight rates vary significantly by region due to carrier density, lane demand, port proximity, and local economic conditions.
Northeast
NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA
Above AverageDry Van
$2.38/mi
Reefer
$2.78/mi
Flatbed
$3.05/mi
Port congestion and dense urban delivery drive premiums
Southeast
GA, FL, NC, SC, TN
AverageDry Van
$2.22/mi
Reefer
$2.65/mi
Flatbed
$2.82/mi
Balanced freight market with strong distribution corridors
Midwest
IL, OH, IN, MI, WI
Below AverageDry Van
$2.18/mi
Reefer
$2.55/mi
Flatbed
$2.78/mi
High carrier density keeps rates competitive
West
CA, WA, OR, AZ, NV
Above AverageDry Van
$2.42/mi
Reefer
$2.88/mi
Flatbed
$3.18/mi
Port-to-inland demand and long-haul distances push rates higher
South Central
TX, OK, LA, AR, MS
Below AverageDry Van
$2.12/mi
Reefer
$2.52/mi
Flatbed
$2.85/mi
Large carrier pool and energy sector freight balance capacity
Fuel Impact
Diesel Price Impact on Freight Rates
National Avg Diesel
$3.82/gal
EIA Weekly Retail
Avg Fuel Surcharge
19.5%
Of linehaul rate
YoY Change
-4.2%
vs March 2025
How Diesel Prices Affect Your Freight Costs
Diesel fuel accounts for roughly 30% to 40% of a carrier's operating cost. Most carriers pass fuel cost fluctuations to shippers through a fuel surcharge (FSC) — a percentage added on top of the linehaul rate. The surcharge is typically recalculated weekly based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) national average diesel price.
As of March 2026, diesel prices are 4.2% below year-ago levels, providing moderate relief on all-in freight costs. However, fuel surcharges vary by carrier — some use DOE-based tables while others negotiate fixed surcharges. Always confirm the FSC methodology in your carrier contract.
Market Conditions
Capacity & Market Outlook — Q1 2026
Carrier Capacity
Moderately Tight
The carrier market is shifting from oversupply toward balance. FMCSA data shows a net decline of approximately 18,000 carrier authorities in 2025, reducing excess capacity. Small fleet exits have tightened the spot market, particularly in reefer and flatbed segments.
Load-to-Truck Ratio
3.8 (Van) / 8.2 (Flatbed)
Dry van load-to-truck ratios are above the 2-year average of 3.2, indicating moderate demand. Flatbed ratios remain elevated due to sustained infrastructure and construction spending. Reefer ratios spike seasonally in April through June.
Spot vs Contract Spread
Narrowing
The gap between spot and contract rates has narrowed to approximately 8% as spot rates have recovered from 2024-2025 lows. This narrowing typically signals a tightening market and suggests shippers should lock in contract rates before further increases.
Driver Availability
Stable with Regional Shortages
The national driver shortage has stabilized at approximately 60,000 drivers below demand. However, regional shortages persist in the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest, and Northeast during winter months. Team driver availability remains constrained for expedited lanes.
Planning Guide
Seasonal Freight Rate Calendar
Freight rates follow predictable seasonal patterns. Use this calendar to plan shipments during lower-cost periods and budget for rate increases during peak seasons.
January
LowPost-holiday slowdown, carrier capacity is loose
February
LowSeasonal lull continues, good time to negotiate contract rates
March
ModerateSpring freight season begins, construction and retail ramp up
April
HighProduce season starts, reefer rates spike in Southeast and West
May
HighPeak produce season, tight capacity across reefer and van
June
HighProduce + summer inventory builds create sustained demand
July
ModerateProduce season winds down, slight capacity relief
August
ModerateBack-to-school shipping and early holiday inventory moves
September
ModerateSteady demand, pre-holiday carrier commitments begin
October
HighHoliday freight surge begins, rates climb across all modes
November
Very HighPeak holiday shipping, Black Friday/Cyber Monday inventory
December
HighHoliday rush continues through mid-month, then sharp drop
For Shippers
How to Use This Market Data
Benchmark Your Current Rates
Compare the rates you are paying today against the national and regional averages on this page. If your rates are significantly above the averages, it may be time to renegotiate with your current carrier or request competitive quotes from other providers.
Time Your Contract Negotiations
Contract rates are typically renegotiated quarterly or annually. Use the seasonal calendar to identify soft market periods (January through March) when carriers are more willing to negotiate favorable rates. Avoid locking in annual contracts during peak season when rates are inflated.
Plan Around Seasonal Surges
If your freight can be shifted by even a few weeks, you can avoid the worst of seasonal rate spikes. Ship pre-holiday inventory in September instead of October. Move produce-region freight before April. Build buffer stock to avoid emergency expedited shipments during peak periods.
Evaluate Mode Alternatives
When rates for one mode spike, consider alternatives. Intermodal can save 20% to 30% over FTL on lanes over 500 miles if transit time allows. LTL consolidation can reduce per-unit costs for smaller shipments. Flatbed premiums may justify investing in containerization where possible.
Get a Custom Rate Quote
National averages are useful benchmarks, but your actual rate depends on your specific origin, destination, freight type, volume, and timing. Contact Direct Fleet Dispatch for a custom quote based on your exact shipping requirements.
FAQ
Freight Market Questions
How often are freight rates updated?
Spot market freight rates fluctuate daily based on supply, demand, diesel prices, and seasonal trends. Contract rates are typically negotiated quarterly or annually. The data on this page reflects current Q1 2026 national averages based on industry benchmarks from DAT, Truckstop, and FMCSA reporting. We update this page monthly.
Why are reefer rates higher than dry van rates?
Reefer (refrigerated) freight costs more because of the specialized temperature-controlled equipment, higher fuel consumption from running the refrigeration unit, FSMA compliance requirements for food and pharmaceutical shipments, and a smaller available carrier pool compared to dry van. The premium typically ranges from 15% to 30% above dry van rates depending on lane and season.
What causes freight rate spikes?
The most common causes of freight rate spikes are produce season (April through July), holiday shipping surges (October through December), severe weather events that reduce available capacity, diesel price increases, driver shortages in specific regions, and port congestion creating inland freight demand. Rates can spike 20% to 40% above baseline during peak periods.
How can I lock in lower freight rates for my business?
The best strategies are: negotiate contract rates during soft market periods (typically Q1), consolidate shipments to offer consistent volume, be flexible on pickup and delivery windows, avoid shipping during peak produce and holiday seasons when possible, and work with a freight broker who can leverage network volume for better carrier rates. Request a custom rate quote from Direct Fleet Dispatch for your specific lanes.
What is the difference between spot rates and contract rates?
Spot rates are one-time prices for individual shipments based on current market conditions — they fluctuate daily and reflect real-time supply and demand. Contract rates are negotiated agreements (usually quarterly or annually) between a shipper and carrier for a guaranteed rate on specific lanes with committed volume. Contract rates offer price stability but are typically 5% to 15% higher than average spot rates during soft markets, and lower during tight markets.
Get a Custom Rate Quote
National averages are a starting point. Your shipment is unique. Tell us your origin, destination, freight type, and timeline — we will provide a competitive, all-in rate within minutes.