Truckload Freight Rates Surge to Two-Year Highs on Diesel Costs

Event summary

  • Truckload freight volumes rose across all major equipment types in March 2026, with van, reefer, and flatbed indices up 12%, 7%, and 18% respectively month-over-month.
  • Spot pricing increased significantly due to fuel cost recovery, with spot van rates up 11 cents, reefer rates up 9 cents, and flatbed rates up 37 cents from February 2026.
  • Contract freight rates also increased sharply in March 2026, driven by fuel-cost dynamics, with van rates up 20 cents, reefer rates up 22 cents, and flatbed rates up 30 cents month-over-month.
  • The national average diesel fuel surcharge surged across all equipment types, with van fuel surcharge rising from 41 cents to 61 cents per mile, the highest since late 2022.

The big picture

The surge in truckload freight rates to two-year highs reflects the broader impact of rising diesel costs on the logistics industry. As fuel surcharges compress linehaul margins, the dynamics of contract negotiations and spot market pricing will be critical to watch. The data from DAT Freight & Analytics highlights the immediate pressure on carriers and shippers to adjust to these cost increases, with potential ripple effects across the supply chain.

What we're watching

Fuel Cost Impact
How sustained diesel cost increases will affect freight rates and carrier margins in the coming months.
Contract Negotiations
Whether shippers and carriers can navigate RFP season effectively in the current high-fuel-cost environment.
Demand Catch-Up
The pace at which truckload demand catches up with the recent surge in fuel costs and freight rates.