Back to September 2026 Industry Update
September 2026 Industry Update: Reefer
DAT National Average Reefer Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Refrigerated linehaul spot rates also softened in August following four months of gains, dropping 4.5% MoM ($0.12) to $2.61.
- Compared to August 2025, reefer spot rates excluding fuel are up 33.6% YoY ($0.66) and sit 27.3% ($0.56) above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Reefer RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported contract linehaul rates for reefer increased for the fifth straight month in August, rising 1.1% MoM ($0.03) and up 15.6% ($0.36) YoY from the same month last year.
- After three months of trending at a discount, contract rates moved back above spot market rates, rising 1.1% to 4.4% above spot, up from the 4.4% discount recorded in July.
DAT Reefer Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Unlike the declines in rates, the reefer load-to-truck ratio strengthened in August after two months of softening, rising 4.2% MoM to 20.02.
- Annual comparisons remained strong in August, with the reefer load-to-truck ratio up 93.2% YoY and 123.3% above the five-year average.
DAT Reefer Outbound Market Conditions Map, Past 30 Days
