Back to July 2026 Industry Update
July 2026 Industry Update: Flatbed
DAT National Average Flatbed Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Flatbed spot linehaul rates continued climbing in June, rising 5.2% MoM ($0.15) to their highest level on record of $2.94.
- Compared to year-ago levels, flatbed spot rates excluding fuel are up nearly 40% YoY ($0.84) and are 37.3% ($0.80) above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Flatbed RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported flatbed contract linehaul rates also posted strong gains for the fifth consecutive month in June, rising 3.5% MoM ($0.11) and sitting roughly 19% ($0.49) higher YoY than in June 2025.
- Although spot rate gains have largely outpaced those observed in the contract market, initially reported contract rates excluding fuel continue to trend at a 4.4% premium relative to spot rates.
DAT Flatbed Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- The flatbed load-to-truck ratio weakened sharply in June, dropping by 17% MoM from 71.57 in May to 59.37, but remains considerably stronger compared to 2025 levels, registering 140% higher YoY and 89% above the 5-year average.
- Based on DAT load board data, flatbed load post volumes declined 6.3% MoM in June while truck postings were up 12.9% MoM.
DAT Flatbed Outbound Market Conditions Map, Past 30 Days
