Back to June 2026 Industry Update
June 2026 Industry Update: Flatbed
DAT National Average Flatbed Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Flatbed spot linehaul rates accelerated further in May, jumping 6.9% MoM ($0.18) to $2.79.
- Compared to year-ago levels, flatbed spot rates excluding fuel are up nearly 32% YoY ($0.67) and are 33% ($0.69) above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Flatbed RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported flatbed contract linehaul rates increased 3.5% MoM ($0.10) and are 12.6% ($0.33) higher YoY.
- Contract rates in the flatbed sector continued to trend at a premium relative to spot market rates, though the spread narrowed further in May, dropping from 9.2% ($0.24) above in April to 5.7% ($0.16) above.
DAT Flatbed Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Unlike the other two equipment types, the flatbed load-to-truck ratio softened for the second straight month in May, dropping from 72.26 in April to 71.57, but still remains nearly 60% above the five-year average.
- According to DAT load board data, both load post and equipment post volumes declined in May, with load postings down 10.1% MoM and truck posts down 9.2%.
DAT Flatbed Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
