Flatbed Truckload (TL) Sector

July 2026 Update

July 31, 2026

As of July 2026, flatbed rates remain at the front of the truckload rate cycle. ACT’s July Freight Forecast shows flatbed spot rates reached another record in June, supported by construction activity, data-center development and related power-generation demand, energy-sector freight, and constrained specialized capacity.

The market is still not being driven by a broad industrial surge alone. Rate momentum reflects a mix of seasonal demand, project freight, infrastructure and utility work, energy activity, and capacity contraction. These conditions have improved carrier leverage and reduced the amount of pricing relief available to shippers.

Spot Rates

Flatbed spot rates, excluding fuel, increased another 15 cents in June and were 39% higher year over year. The new record followed May’s sharp increase and reinforced flatbed’s position as one of the strongest truckload segments.

Some pressure began to ease in July as construction season progressed and lower oil prices reduced part of the recent energy-related support. Even so, specialized equipment and driver constraints, regulatory enforcement, and continued project activity are helping maintain a firmer rate floor than during the prior downturn.

Contract Rates

Flatbed contract rates are responding to sustained spot-market strength. Rates were 17% higher year over year in June, confirming that the improvement is extending beyond short-term spot conditions and into broader shipper-carrier negotiations.

Contract negotiations are likely to remain measured, but carrier leverage has improved. Shippers should prepare for a less favorable procurement environment, particularly around construction, machinery, energy, utility, power-generation, and project-related freight. For carriers, stronger contract pricing should support revenue quality, although elevated operating costs remain a constraint on profitability.

Summary

Entering July 2026, flatbed remains one of the strongest areas of the truckload market, with spot rates at record levels, contract pricing moving higher, and specialized capacity still tight. Demand remains uneven, but construction, infrastructure, utility, energy, data-center-related power generation, and project freight continue to provide meaningful support.

Some seasonal moderation is possible, but flatbed pricing remains well above prior-cycle levels. Shippers, carriers, brokers, fleets, and investors should continue monitoring construction activity, energy markets, industrial output, specialized equipment and driver availability, and how sustained spot-market strength moves into contract pricing.

To see how flatbed rates change in the future, and for detailed analysis and forecasts or truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal, see ACT's freight & transportation forecast.