Flatbed Truckload (TL) Sector

June 2026 Update

June 26, 2026

As of June 2026, flatbed rates have moved to the front of the truckload recovery. ACT’s June Freight Forecast shows flatbed spot rates reached a new record high in May, supported by construction season, rising power-generation demand tied to data centers, energy-sector activity, and tighter specialized capacity.

The flatbed market is still not being driven by a broad industrial surge alone. Rate momentum is coming from a mix of seasonal demand, project-related freight, energy activity, infrastructure and utility work, and capacity reductions. This has improved the pricing environment for carriers and reduced the amount of rate relief available to shippers.

Spot Rates

Flatbed spot rates rose sharply in May and started June well ahead of normal seasonal patterns. ACT’s June Freight Forecast notes that flatbed spot rates, net fuel, rose to a record high in May and were up more than 30% year-over-year.

While seasonal strength is part of the story, capacity reductions are also supporting higher rate floors. Shippers should expect a firmer spot market than earlier in the cycle, particularly around construction, energy, machinery, power generation, utility, and project-related freight.

Contract Rates

Flatbed contract rates are now responding to tighter spot conditions. ACT’s June Freight Forecast shows flatbed contract rates increased again in May and were up double digits year-over-year, with ACT raising its 2026 and 2027 flatbed rate outlooks.

Contract negotiations are likely to remain measured, but carrier leverage has improved. For shippers, this means procurement conditions are less favorable than they were during the prior downturn. For carriers, stronger contract pricing should help support revenue quality, though cost pressure remains a constraint.

Summary

The flatbed market has strengthened meaningfully entering June 2026, with spot rates at record levels, contract rates moving higher, and capacity conditions tighter. Demand remains uneven, but construction, energy, infrastructure, utility, data-center-related power generation, and project freight are providing a stronger floor than earlier in the cycle.

Flatbed pricing is no longer simply stabilizing; it is showing clear early-cycle rate momentum. Shippers, carriers, brokers, fleets, and investors should continue monitoring energy activity, construction demand, industrial output, driver availability, specialized capacity, and whether recent rate gains carry further 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.