Flatbed Rates
Flatbed Rates in December 2024
Updated Flatbed Truckload (TL) Sector Overview – December 2024
Flatbed rates in November 2024 reflect continued volatility driven by seasonal and economic factors. Below is an updated analysis of spot and contract flatbed rates.
Spot Market Rates
Flatbed spot rates, net of fuel, rose 2¢ month-over-month in November 2024, averaging $1.95 per mile, marking a 5.4% year-over-year increase. Demand was supported by hurricane recovery efforts and industrial activity, despite the seasonal construction slowdown. As industrial projects ramp up ahead of potential tariffs, flatbed rates are expected to remain resilient.
Contract Market Rates
Flatbed contract rates increased 2¢ month-over-month to $2.59 per mile, reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year gain. Infrastructure spending and construction recovery should sustain moderate contract rate growth into early 2025, though economic headwinds could limit more significant increases.
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 is seasonally soft, and although Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the port struck drove a brief surge in demand, the flatbed market is softer than the other main trailer types. Hurricane recovery will support 2025 volumes.
Tim Denoyer
Vice President & Senior Analyst
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