Trucking Rates Hit New Highs as Diesel Tops $6 a Gallon

Diesel prices pushed U.S. trucking rates higher in September, even as freight volumes declined. According to an October 13 report from DAT Freight & Analytics, the national average diesel price reached $6.291 per gallon.

Average spot rates, including fuel, reached $3.62 per mile for refrigerated trailers, $3.01 for dry vans, and $3.61 for flatbeds. The refrigerated rate set a new record.

However, rates excluding fuel fell for dry vans and flatbeds. DAT estimates that a truck traveling 500 miles daily at 6 miles per gallon spent about $1,070 more on diesel over five working days compared with February.

!What This Means for CDL Drivers

Owner-operators and small carriers need to look beyond the advertised rate per mile. Higher fuel costs can erase much of the increase in freight rates. Comparing rates after fuel expenses is especially important when negotiating spot loads.