October 2026 Freight Rates: Dry Van, Reefer & Flatbed

October started with rates still well above last year. Here is where dry van, reefer and flatbed spot rates stand, what diesel is doing, and what it means if you are shipping freight this month.

National Spot Rates Right Now

Source: DAT national average spot rates, most recent weekly reports from late September and early October 2026.

Dry Van: Quarter-End Push

Dry van rates jumped about 5% in the most recent week as shippers pushed freight out before the end of the third quarter. Early October usually stays busy as retailers build inventory for the holidays, so expect dry van capacity to stay firm through the month.

Reefer: Produce Season Cooling Off

Reefer rates eased slightly as the summer and early-fall produce rush winds down, but they are still well above last year. Holiday food shipping and turkey and frozen goods season usually lift reefer demand again in November, so it is a good time to lock in reefer capacity for the rest of the quarter.

Flatbed: Tightest Market of the Three

Flatbed is the tightest equipment type right now. DAT reports about 44 flatbed loads posted for every truck, and the average rate is about 28% higher than a year ago. DAT’s forecast points to flatbed rates easing only slightly, to about $2.62 per mile, over the next month. If you ship steel, lumber or building materials, book early and expect fewer last-minute options.

Diesel and Fuel Surcharges

Diesel has come down from its September peak. The U.S. average was $6.20 per gallon on October 5, down from $6.38 the week before and $6.53 in late September. That brings typical fuel surcharges to roughly $0.83 per mile, so your all-in rate this month should be a little lower than in September on the same lane.

What It Means for Shippers

• Book flatbed early. Give carriers at least 2–3 days of notice when you can.
• Plan for the holidays now. Columbus Day is Monday, October 12, and Thanksgiving week will tighten all equipment types.
• Compare all-in prices. With diesel moving every week, ask for quotes that include fuel so you can compare apples to apples.
• Confirm appointments. Busy retail and grocery docks mean missed appointments cost more in Q4.

Want to see what this means for a specific lane? Check our freight lanes for routes like Chicago to Atlanta and Los Angeles to Chicago, or request a quote for your own pickup and delivery.