C.H. Robinson: refrigerated spot rates hit a record $3.60 per mile

National refrigerated spot-market rates including fuel hit a record $3.60 per mile in September, surpassing the previous all-time high set in February 2022, according to C.H. Robinson's truckload report, as reported by FleetOwner this week.

The key tell: linehaul-only rates remain below the 2022 peak, so fuel — not freight demand — is driving the record. The West Coast remains the tightest refrigerated region, with the Pacific Northwest tightening most; diesel prices over $8 per gallon in parts of the West Coast are lifting refrigerated costs at a point in the season when rates typically soften. Southwest rates stayed firm despite the usual September decline.

Elsewhere the market followed seasonal scripts. Northeast outbound load-to-truck ratios posted one of September's largest declines as equipment availability improved after peak produce season; the Central U.S. normalized, with the Upper Midwest seeing relief in outbound ratios and Southern linehaul rates softening from summer highs. The Northeast is expected to loosen further in October post-harvest, while California markets stay heavily fuel-influenced. The takeaway for reefer operators: record all-in rates are a fuel story, not a demand boom — and elevated diesel is likely to keep all-in reefer costs above seasonal norms even if linehaul stabilizes.