Back to May 2026 Industry Update
May 2026 Industry Update: Reefer
DAT National Average Reefer Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Refrigerated linehaul spot rates rebounded in April following March weakness, rising 1.9% MoM, or just over $0.04, to $2.35.
- Reefer spot rates excluding fuel were up 27% YoY and remained 20.3% above their long‑term average, while all‑in spot rates increased 5.1% MoM and just over 37% YoY.
DAT National Average Reefer RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Reefer contract rates excluding fuel increased 1.0% MoM in April and remained 5.5% higher YoY.
- The contract‑to‑spot rate premium narrowed modestly from 5.2% in March to 4.3% in April.
DAT Reefer Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- The refrigerated load‑to‑truck ratio declined sharply in April to 13.5 from 17.5 in March but remained well above the April 2025 level of 8.3.
- Spot load postings declined 20.5% MoM, while refrigerated equipment postings increased 3.2%.
DAT Reefer Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
