Back to April 2026 Industry Update
April 2026 Industry Update: Flatbed
DAT National Average Flatbed Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Flatbed market strength persisted in March, with average linehaul spot rates increasing for a fourth consecutive month, rising 5.4% MoM, or $0.12, to $2.35.
- This sustained momentum has lifted flatbed spot rates 13.7% above year-ago levels and 13.3% above the long-term average, while on an all-in basis, including fuel, rates increased 13.2% MoM and were approximately 22% higher YoY versus March 2025.
DAT National Average Flatbed RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported average flatbed contract rates, excluding fuel, increased 1.9% MoM in March and were 4.4% higher YoY compared to the same month last year.
- Continued volatility in the spot market further narrowed the gap relative to contract rates, with the contract-to-spot spread declining from 18.4% in February to 14.5% in March.
DAT Flatbed Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Flatbed demand remained strong in March, with the load-to-truck ratio (LTR) increasing 34% MoM to 76.45 and standing nearly 82% higher YoY compared to March 2025.
- According to DAT Freight & Analytics, flatbed load postings surged 41.5% MoM while truck postings increased just 5.7% over the same period.
DAT Flatbed Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
