Trucking

Reefer Rates Hold Above Historical Average as South Texas Demand Surges

Reefer spot linehaul rates averaged $2.71 per mile last week, down $0.57 per mile but remaining significantly above the nine-year seasonal average of $2.14. The 10 bellwether states posted moves-weighted outbound rates near the upper end of their historical range. South Texas emerged as the standout performer, with Mexico crossings through the Rio Grande Valley posting strong gains to major destinations: Boston +14%, Miami +9%, Dallas +8%, Baltimore +7%, and Chicago +4%. The Pacific Northwest led regional gains at 2.1% week over week, while the Midwest corridors remained competitive. The load-to-truck ratio eased to 19.49 following Labor Day disruptions. Forecasters project reefer rates will stabilize near $2.65 per mile by mid-October, maintaining premiums versus year-ago levels.