Diesel vs Spot Rates: Why Carriers Are Better Off Than Last Year
Truckload rejections just climbed back to 14.5%, and that’s the clearest sign yet that peak season may finally be showing up. In this SONAR update, the FreightWaves Today team breaks down tender rejections, truckload volumes, diesel prices and linehaul rates to answer the question every carrier and broker is asking: is this market tightening, or […] The post Diesel vs Spot Rates: Why Carriers Are…
Truckload carriers are experiencing better financial performance than last year, despite record-high diesel prices, according to FreightWaves SONAR data. Spot rates have increased from around $2.40 per mile to $3.42 per mile, a 90 cent gain year-over-year. Net Truck Index of Linehaul (NTIL), which accounts for diesel costs, shows carriers are still ahead by approximately $0.70 per mile compared to 2024.
While the market appears healthier, carriers express uncertainty over whether rates are high enough for comfort. Truckload rejection indices have risen since mid-September, continuing a trend seen in past peak seasons. Diesel prices continue to strain cash flow, despite higher spot rates, as fuel surcharges do not cover deadhead and repositioning miles. Banks are also becoming more cautious about lending due to the current cash-flow situation.
Written by urgent.news from FreightWaves's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
