Back to October 2026 Industry Update
October 2026 Industry Update: Reefer
DAT National Average Reefer Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Refrigerated linehaul spot rates rebounded in September, rising 3% ($0.08) MoM to $2.70.
- Compared to September 2025, reefer spot rates excluding fuel are up 36.1% ($0.72) YoY and remain 29.6% ($0.62) above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Reefer RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported contract linehaul rates for reefer have increased for 13 consecutive months, rising 0.7% ($0.02) MoM in September and up 15.9% ($0.37) YoY from the same month last year.
- After briefly eclipsing spot rates in August, contract rates returned to trending at a discount, dropping from 1.1% higher to 1.1% lower in September.
DAT Reefer Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Despite strong rates, the reefer load-to-truck ratio softened in September, down 4.0% MoM to 19.21.
- Annual comparisons remained strong in September, however, registering 75.4% higher YoY compared to September 2025 and 135% above the 5-year average.
DAT Reefer Outbound Market Conditions Map, Past 30 Days
