Flatbed Rates

Flatbed Truckload (TL) Sector – April 2025

Flatbed rates in March 2025 reflect a market still grappling with volatility tied to pre-tariff shipping, seasonal construction activity, and growing industrial sector headwinds. Below is the latest analysis of spot and contract flatbed rates.

Spot Market Rates

Flatbed spot rates moved higher in March, supported by early-season construction demand and a final wave of pre-tariff freight activity. However, this strength may prove temporary. Industrial production remains under pressure from rising input costs and trade policy uncertainty, both of which are expected to weigh on rate stability heading into the second half of the year. With capacity still ample, sustained spot rate momentum will be difficult to achieve without a stronger industrial rebound.

Contract Market Rates

Flatbed contract rates held steady in March, continuing a trend of limited growth despite ongoing infrastructure investment. The outlook remains cautious, as softening manufacturing demand and escalating materials costs offset some of the rate-supportive dynamics seen earlier in the year. For now, contract rate stability is expected to persist, but the sector faces downside risks if tariff impacts deepen or construction momentum falters.

To see how flatbed rates change in the future, and for detailed analysis and forecasts or truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal, see ACT's freight & transportation forecast.