Trucking Freight

Good morning,

Along with the Market Outlook, is the latest Morgan Stanley Data for week of 31 August through 6 September 2026:

MARKET OUTLOOK: Fuel is the story of the week — diesel jumped 7% to $5.97 a gallon, an all time record, topping the June 2022 peak. Diesel is now up 59% from last year, with the Iran conflict continuing to squeeze global energy supply. Capacity gave back part of last week's spike, yet spot rates rose in all three modes with fuel at record levels, carriers have little room to price down. Fuel surcharges will move with the index, and rates are more likely to firm than fade from here.

VAN MARKET:  Van held its ground — spot rose 2% and September is holding right at $3.00 after August's $2.89, with load-to-truck off just 3% and still 78% above last year. Contract sits at $3.20, a $0.20 premium over spot. Up 42% year-over year.

FLATBED MARKET:  Flatbed gave back part of the surge, load-to-truck eased 11% after two strong weeks, but spot held firm, up 1% with September running at $3.56. Contract sits at $4.01, keeping a $0.45 premium over spot. Still up 42% on the year.

REEFER MARKET:  Reefer spot pushed to $3.59, up 2%, and has now crossed above contract — spot paying a premium over contract is a genuine tightness signal. Load-to truck eased 6% but still runs 93% above last year. Up 40% on the year.

Thanks very much, we hope you find the above information useful in your transportation planning. 

Brian Kostef

Managing Director