Back to May 2026 Industry Update
May 2026 Industry Update: Flatbed
DAT National Average Flatbed Spot Rate excl. FSC
Key Points
- Flatbed spot linehaul rates accelerated further in April, increasing 11.3% MoM, or just over $0.26, to $2.61.
- On a YoY basis, flatbed spot rates excluding fuel increased nearly 24% and remained approximately 25% above their long‑term average, while all‑in rates rose 12.3% MoM and 35% YoY.
DAT National Average Flatbed RPM Contract vs. Spot
Key Points
- Flatbed contract rates excluding fuel increased by just over $0.16 MoM and were 8.9% higher YoY.
- Strength across both spot and contract markets compressed the contract‑to‑spot premium from 14.5% in March to 9.2% in April.
DAT Flatbed Load-to-Truck Ratio
Key Points
- The flatbed load‑to‑truck ratio eased modestly in April, declining to 72.3 from 76.5 in March, though it remained more than double April 2025 levels.
- Flatbed load postings declined 2.2% MoM, while equipment postings increased 3.4%.
DAT Flatbed Outbound Market Conditions Map, past 30 Days
