Flatbed rates highest since 2022
FTR reports flatbed rates are the highest since Oct 2022, with loads up 39% YoY, indicating tight capacity.
Flatbed's reliance on construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors makes it prone to volatility. Supply chain issues and quarantines previously hampered these sectors, limiting capacity additions. The flatbed market is sensitive to construction spending, including highway and street projects. Government investment in infrastructure development directly impacts the demand for flatbed trucks. While national average flatbed rates were $2.70 per mile in February, the Midwest saw the highest rates at $2.97 per mile. The West had the lowest average at $2.31 per mile. Load-to-truck ratios were also even across the country. Tariffs and seasonal demand can significantly influence flatbed trucking rates. Companies may stockpile steel and lumber, driving up transportation costs amid tariff uncertainty.
