Current Freight Rates

Trucking News – US Freight Rates

August 21, 2026 – Courtesy of DAT Trendlines 

Van Freight Rates – August 21, 2026

DAT.com’s August 18^th Trendlines Report shows current national van spot rate averages are $2.91 per mile, 9¢ below the August average. The highest average van rates are in the Midwest at $3.04 per mile. The lowest average van rates are in the Northeast at $2.57 per mile.

The current national van load-to-truck ratio is 9.61 loads-to-truck, compared to the July average of 10.47. Ratios are even across the country.

Reefer Freight Rates – August 21, 2026

Reefer freight rates are averaging $3.33 per mile, 8¢ lower than the July average. Rates are highest in the Midest with an average of $3.69 per mile. The lowest rates are in the Northeast, with an average of $2.94 per mile.

National reefer capacity is 18.08 loads-to-truck compared to the July average of 19.21 loads-to-truck. Current load-to-truck capacity shows reefer demand is even across the country.

Flatbed Freight Rates – August 21, 2026

National average flatbed rates are $3.65 per mile, 5¢ lower than the July average. The Southeast has the highest average flatbed rates at $3.97 per mile. The lowest rates are in the West, with an average of $3.20 per mile.

Nationally, flatbed load-to-truck ratios are at 33.18, compared to 42.49 in July. Load to truck ratios for flatbed freight is even across the country, with North Dakota, Iowa, and Michigan being slightly lower than the rest. For more details, visit Dat.com.

*Diesel fuel price map as of August 21, 2026

Checking fuel prices, the national average diesel price is $ 5.45 per gallon, up 32¢ from one month ago and up $1.65 compared to one year ago.

East Coast diesel prices are averaging $5.34 per gallon. The average price in the Midwest is $5.43 per gallon. California diesel prices are averaging $6.78 per gallon.