Back to June 2026 Industry Update
June 2026 Industry Update: Reefer
DAT National Average Reefer Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Refrigerated linehaul spot rates strengthened sharply in May, rising 9% MoM ($0.21) to $2.56.
- On an annual basis, reefer spot rates, exclusive of fuel, were up 31.2% YoY ($0.61) and were just over 27% higher ($0.55) than the long-term average.
DAT National Average Reefer RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported contract linehaul rates for reefers increased 2.1% MoM ($0.05) and are 8.1% higher YoY ($0.19) compared to May 2025.
- With spot rate increases significantly outpacing gains in the contract market, average refrigerated spot rates have now moved above contract rates for the first time since March 2022, rising 2.3% ($0.06).
DAT Reefer Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- The reefer load-to-truck ratio surged in May to its second-highest level on record at 20.39, just a few points shy of its January 2022 peak of 20.43, but still nearly 140% higher than the average over the last five years.
- Strong reefer demand was reflected in DAT's load board data, with reefer load posts up nearly 38% MoM in April, while equipment postings fell by just over 9% MoM.
DAT Reefer Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
