Back to March 2026 Industry Update
March 2026 Industry Update: Flatbed
DAT National Average Flatbed Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Average flatbed spot linehaul rates increased for the third consecutive month in February, rising $0.10 MoM and bringing the total gain over the past three months to $0.27. The strong sequential growth pushed annual comparisons to 13.3% YoY, leaving flatbed spot rates approximately 11% above the long-term average.
DAT National Average Flatbed RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Initially reported average flatbed contract rates, excluding fuel, posted strong gains in February, rising $0.08 MoM and bringing rates 2.6% higher YoY compared to February 2025. Although spot rates also increased sharply, the strength in contract pricing led to a modest narrowing of the spread, which declined by $0.02, leaving contract rates at an 18.4% premium relative to spot rates.
DAT Flatbed Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- Flatbed demand strengthened sharply in February, with the flatbed load-to-truck ratio rising from 40.53 in January to 57.11, its highest level since May 2022. According to DAT load board data, flatbed load posts increased 26.8% MoM while equipment posts declined 10%.
DAT Flatbed Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
