Construction work in the US, on projects like data centers, has risen boosting demand for flatbeds.
Flatbed spot rates are climbing as demand increases and capacity tightens. Although spring and summer are typically peak seasons for commodities moving on flatbed trailers, 2026 rates have risen as much as 41% year over year, according to ACT Research. DAT Freight Research reports that, in some weeks, flatbed spot rates have reached their highest levels in more than a decade. Flatbed contract rates have also increased. According to ACT, rates, excluding fuel, increased in July to a record $3.09 per mile and were 20% higher year-over-year.
These rate increases do not reflect a broad recovery from the “freight recession,” but can be attributed to an increased demand for construction projects, manufacturing returning to the US, and limited capacity due to many carriers and owner-operators that have left the trucking industry.
Construction Demand is Strong in Certain Market Sectors
Nearshoring is Resulting in Fewer Imports and More Domestic Shipments
The demand for domestic flatbed trucking capacity is also reflective of a significant change in the way many U. S. corporations approach supply chain strategy. The practice of nearshoring, placing manufacturing facilities closer to the end consumer, has gone from a potential strategy to reality for many shippers.
Supply chain outsourcing was once driven largely by lower labor costs outside the US. Today, however, companies are placing greater emphasis on reducing exposure to tariff volatility and geopolitical risk. As a result, many shipments that were previously imported are now moving as domestic freight, increasing demand for flatbed trailers to transport heavy machinery and manufacturing parts across multiple industries. These shipments also increase the demand for limited flatbed trucking capacity.
Carriers and Owner-operators are Leaving the Industry amid Mounting Pressures
Over the past five years, the trucking industry has faced significant challenges. Rising operating costs, including fuel and insurance, have reduced profits. At the same time, carriers continue to contend with a driver shortage that is likely to worsen because of recent regulatory changes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a Final Rule on February 13, 2026, which took effect on March 16, 2026, introducing stricter requirements for commercial driver’s license eligibility. The new regulations sharply limit who qualifies for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders. Employment authorization documents alone are no longer sufficient.
The FMCSA estimates this rule will affect approximately 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders who will exit the market over the next two years as their credentials come up for renewal. State Driver’s Licensing Agencies are now required to verify every applicant’s lawful immigration status through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system before issuing, renewing, or upgrading a CDL, and all transactions must be done in person.
These and other challenges have resulted in many providers leaving the industry. In the first half of 2026, over 200 trucking companies filed for bankruptcy, a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Industry reporting describes 2026 as a year of “historic” carrier exits, with thousands of small fleets and owner-operators leaving the industry. Early-2025 trends suggested 1,500+ companies closing on a weekly basis, and April 2025 alone saw 7,474 exits. While these rates slowed in 2026, the scale remains large.
Flatbed Trucks Require Unique Capabilities
Flatbed trucks are considered more difficult to own and operate than other trucks for several reasons. Drivers must frequently load and unload cargo, which requires significant physical effort. Operators must ensure cargo is properly secured, a process involving strong straps and tarps, increasing the risk of injury.
Drivers often handle oversized or irregularly shaped loads, complicating transport and requiring compliance with strict safety guidelines. These factors make the truck driver shortage even more difficult for carriers to address.
Strategies to Help Shippers Manage Decreased Flatbed Capacity
In 2026, flatbed capacity is structurally constrained, not just temporarily tight. Shippers who forecast early, diversify carriers, optimize loads, and monitor market signals will have more options and better pricing. Those who wait will face limited choices, making it difficult to serve customers during times of peak demand.
