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Trucking News – US Freight Rates
September 21, 2026 – Courtesy of DAT Trendlines
| SEP 21 – SEP 27 VS SEP 14 – SEP 20 | AUG 2026 VS JUL 2026 | AUG 2026 VS AUG 2025 | |
| Van Load-To-Truck | 2.0% | -1.2% | -35.3% |
| Van Rates (Spot) | 1.6% | -3.7% | +46.8% |
| Flatbed Load-To-Truck | 3.1% | -15.3% | +80.4% |
| Flatbed Rates (Spot) | 3.9% | -2.7% | +42.7% |
| Reefer Load-To-Truck | -2.6% | -4.2% | +93.2% |
| Reefer Rates (Spot) | -6.8% | -0.6% | +40.7% |
| Fuel Prices | +3.8% | +10.1% | +46.0% |
Van Freight Rates – September 21, 2026
DAT.com’s September 21st Trendlines Report shows current national van spot rate averages are $3.00 per mile, 11¢ higher than the August average. The highest average van rates are in the Midwest at $4.06 per mile. The lowest average van rates are in the Southeast at $3.05 per mile.
The current national van load-to-truck ratio is 11.2 loads-to-truck, compared to the August average of 10.3. Ratios are relatively consistent across the country, with higher concentrations in the Northeast, Washington, and Oregon.
Reefer Freight Rates – September 21, 2026
Reefer freight rates are averaging $3.62 per mile, 23¢ higher than the August average. Rates are highest in the Midwest, with an average of $4.06 per mile. The lowest rates are in the Southeast, with an average of $3.05 per mile.
The current national reefer load-to-truck ratio is 18.1 loads-to-truck, compared to the August average of 20.02. Ratios vary across the country, with stronger load-to-truck ratios in the northern states and lower ratios throughout the South.
Flatbed Freight Rates – September 21, 2026
National average flatbed rates are $3.60 per mile, 6¢ higher than the August average. The Southeast has the highest average flatbed rates at $3.78 per mile. The lowest rates are in the West, with an average of $3.12 per mile.
Nationally, flatbed load-to-truck ratios are at 40.47, compared to 36 in August.
For more details, visit DAT.com.
*Diesel fuel price map as of September 21, 2026
Fuel prices remain a key concern, with diesel costs continuing to drive the conversation across the industry. Fuel prices are up 90 cents from last month and $2.78 from a year ago. Carriers should continue monitoring fuel surcharges and route efficiency as rising fuel expenses can quickly impact profitability.
East Coast diesel prices are averaging $6.26 per gallon. The average price in the Midwest is $6.68 per gallon. California diesel prices are averaging $8.25 per gallon.
| Change from | |||||
| 9/7/2026 | 9/14/2026 | 9/21/2026 | Year Ago | Week Ago | |
| US | $5.967 | $6.285 | $6.529 | +2.78 | +0.244 |
| East Coast (PADD 1) | $5.744 | $6.158 | $6.268 | +2.523 | +0.110 |
| New England (PADD 1A) | $5.99 | $6.202 | $6.517 | +2.555 | +0.315 |
| Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) | $6.051 | $6.312 | $6.546 | +2.638 | +0.234 |
| Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) | $5.605 | $6.096 | $6.139 | +2.475 | +0.043 |
| Midwest (PADD 2) | $5.946 | $6.250 | $6.68 | +2.949 | +0.430 |
| Gulf Coast (PADD 3) | $5.754 | $6.027 | $6.177 | +2.777 | +0.150 |
| Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) | $5.805 | $6.066 | $6.34 | +2.593 | +0.274 |
| West Coast (PADD 5) | $6.987 | $7.25 | $7.456 | +2.932 | +0.206 |
| West Coast less California | $6.314 | $6.566 | $6.791 | +2.668 | +0.225 |
| California | $7.764 | $8.039 | $8.246 | +3.261 | +0.207 |
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Factoring is a common financing solution for trucking companies to access cash tied up in their receivables. Instead of waiting weeks or months for customer payment, get paid same day with Scale Funding. We’re proud to be the top factoring company for trucking companies across the United States.
Factoring for Trucking Companies
Factoring is a common financing solution for trucking companies to access cash tied up in their receivables. Instead of waiting weeks or months for customer payment, get paid same day with Scale Funding. We’re proud to be the top factoring company for trucking companies across the United States.
Benefits of Factoring with Scale Funding:
- 15-Minute Consultation and Quote
- Simple Setup
- Same-Day Funding
- Customized Programs
- Low Rates
To learn more about our freight factoring services, call Scale Funding at (866) 519-3609 or contact us via the web.
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