Flatbed Rates
Flatbed Rates - January 2025
Flatbed Truckload (TL) Sector – January 2025
Flatbed rates in December 2024 reflect continued fluctuations influenced by seasonal patterns, industrial activity, and regulatory considerations. Below is an updated analysis of spot and contract flatbed rates.
Spot Market Rates
Flatbed spot rates, net of fuel, decreased by 1¢ month-over-month, averaging $1.94 per mile in December 2024, representing a 2.1% year-over-year increase. Seasonal construction slowdowns contributed to softer rates, though hurricane recovery and pre-tariff shipping supported demand. Industrial demand tied to pre-infrastructure planning is expected to provide some rate resilience in early 2025.
Contract Market Rates
Flatbed contract rates edged up 1¢ month-over-month to $2.60 per mile, achieving a 2.4% year-over-year increase. While ongoing infrastructure spending and industrial demand provide steady support, rising interest rates and economic headwinds are likely to moderate more robust contract rate increases. Flatbed rates are anticipated to maintain slow, incremental growth through early 2025.
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.
Construction activity remains seasonally subdued, but hurricane recovery efforts and pre-tariff industrial projects are expected to provide modest support to the flatbed market in early 2025, despite its continued softness compared to other trailer types.
Tim Denoyer
Vice President & Senior Analyst
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