Home > Scale Funding Insights > Current Freight Rates – December 2023
December 18, 2023
Trucking News – US Freight Rates
December 18, 2023– Courtesy of DAT Trendlines
December 2023 Freight Rates | |||
| Dec 11 – Dec 17 vs. Dec 04 – Dec 10 | Nov 2023 vs. Oct 2023 | Nov 2023 vs. Nov 2022 | |
| Spot Market Loads | -5.8% | -12.8% | -41.3% |
| Spot Market Capacity | -0.1% | -10.9% | -18.4% |
| Van Load-To-Truck | -8.3% | +0.2% | -21.2% |
| Van Rates (Spot) | -0.7% | -0.8% | -12.8% |
| Flatbed Load-To-Truck | +1.7% | -13.2% | -40.6% |
| Flatbed Rates (Spot) | -0.7% | -1.9% | -13.1% |
| Reefer Load-To-Truck | -7.0% | +7.2% | -36.0% |
| Reefer Rates (Spot) | -2.1% | +1.1% | -10.7% |
| Fuel Prices | -2.6% | -5.6% | -19.0% |
Van Freight Rates – December 18, 2023
DAT.com’s December 17th Trendlines Report shows current national van rate averages are at $2.10 per mile, $0.2 higher than the November average.
According to DAT, the highest average van rates are in the Midwest at $2.34 per mile. The lowest average van rates are in the Northeast at $1.91 per mile.
DAT reports the current national load-to-truck ratio is 1.72 loads-to-truck, compared to the November average of 2.12. Ratios are highest in the Northwest and coastal states. The lowest ratios are in the Northeast.
Reefer Freight Rates – December 18, 2023
Reefer freight rates are averaging $2.41 per mile, $0.8 lower than in November. Reefer rates are highest in the Midwest, averaging $2.79 per mile. The lowest rates are in the Southeast, with an average of $2.13 per mile.
National reefer capacity is at 1.88 loads-to-truck, compared to the November average of 3.16 loads-to-truck.
Current load-to-truck capacity shows reefer demand is highest in the Northern states. The Southeast and East Coast states have the lowest load-to-truck ratios.
Flatbed Freight Rates – December 18, 2023
National average flatbed rates are currently $2.41 per mile, $.03 lower than the November average.
The Midwest has the highest average flatbed rates at $2.66 per mile; the lowest rates are in the West, with an average of $2.22 per mile.
Nationally, load-to-truck ratios are at 5.13, compared to 5.52 in November. Load ratios are highest in the Pacific Northwest. The Southwest has the lowest load-to-truck ratios. For more details, visit Dat.com.
*Diesel fuel price map as of December 18, 2023.
Checking fuel prices, the national average diesel price is $3.89 a gallon compared to $4.29 one month ago and is down $0.7 compared to one year ago.
East Coast diesel prices are averaging $3.97 per gallon. The average price in the Midwest is $3.81 per gallon. California diesel prices are averaging $5.23 per gallon.
| Change from | |||||
| 12/04/23 | 12/11/23 | 12/18/23 | Week Ago | Year Ago | |
| US | 4.092 | 3.987 | 3.894 | -0.093 | -0.702 |
| East Coast (PADD 1) | 4.139 | 4.050 | 3.969 | -0.081 | -0.878 |
| New England (PADD 1A) | 4.432 | 4.418 | 4.362 | -0.056 | -0.895 |
| Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) | 4.458 | 4.406 | 4.336 | -0.070 | -0.980 |
| Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) | 3.990 | 3.880 | 3.793 | -0.087 | -0.844 |
| Midwest (PADD 2) | 4.025 | 3.900 | 3.806 | -0.094 | -0.671 |
| Gulf Coast (PADD 3) | 3.737 | 3.640 | 3.569 | -0.071 | -0.636 |
| Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) | 4.128 | 4.049 | 3.933 | -0.116 | -0.927 |
| West Coast (PADD 5) | 4.912 | 4.802 | 4.655 | -0.147 | -0.483 |
| West Coast less California | 4.418 | 4.310 | 4.153 | -0.157 | -0.724 |
| California | 5.480 | 5.367 | 5.231 | -0.136 | -0.206 |
Factoring for Trucking Companies
Factoring Keeps Trucks Moving Forward Factoring is a common financing solution for trucking companies to access cash tied up in their receivables. Instead of waiting weeks or months for customer payment, get paid same-day with Scale Funding. We’re proud to be the top factoring company for trucking companies across the United States.
Benefits of Factoring with Scale Funding:
- 15 Minute Consultation and Quote
- Simple Setup
- Same-Day Funding
- Customized Programs
- Low Rates
To learn more about our freight factoring services, call Scale Funding at (800) 707-4845 or contact us via the web. Would you like to receive freight trends and other industry news in your inbox? Fill out the form below.
