Back to April 2026 Industry Update
April 2026 Industry Update: Reefer
DAT National Average Reefer Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Average refrigerated spot rates, excluding fuel, contracted 5.2% MoM, or nearly $0.13, to $2.30 in March, signaling the first monthly decrease in six months.
- Despite the decline, reefer linehaul rates stayed well above long-term norms, up approximately 25% YoY versus March 2025 and 14.6% above the long-term average. On an all-in basis, including fuel, rates increased 3.1% MoM and were roughly 31% higher YoY.
DAT National Average Reefer RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported average refrigerated linehaul contract rates declined 0.7% MoM in March, marking the first decrease since August 2025, but remained 5.6% above year-ago levels.
- The sharper decline in linehaul spot rates widened the spread between the two markets, with contract rates registering a 5.2% premium for the month.
DAT Reefer Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- The refrigerated load-to-truck ratio (LTR) increased modestly by 1.5% MoM in March to 17.48 and was approximately 146% higher YoY compared to March 2025. According to DAT Freight & Analytics, refrigerated load postings increased 8.7% MoM while equipment postings rose 7.1%.
DAT Reefer Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
