Flatbed Trucking Rates Surge Amid Tariff Pressures and Seasonal Demand Shifts

Dive Brief

Last week saw a notable increase of 4 cents in flatbed trucking rates, marking the most critically important weekly rise this year, according to Dean Croke, Principal Analyst at DAT iQ.

Published on march 26, 2025

Flatbed trucking prices have seen a sharp uptick recently as shippers of steel and lumber rush to build thier inventories amidst tariff uncertainties that could disrupt their supply chains. This surge has resulted in the highest flatbed rates at the start of a year since 2017.

The ongoing six-week trend in rising rates is attributed to seasonal demand increases typically observed during March and April when activities like planting and construction ramp up. “We’re witnessing an uptick in volumes now,” Croke shared with Trucking Dive via email. “This is partly due to concerns surrounding tariffs.”

The average spot rate for flatbeds climbed to $2.13 per mile last week, up from the previous week’s figures. additionally, there was an increase in the load-to-truck ratio for flatbeds from 41.12 to 46.92 loads per truck.

Croke pointed out that tariffs are unpredictable factors affecting flatbed freight dynamics: “The timing and types of freight impacted remain uncertain.” To navigate these challenges, shippers are advancing cargo imports such as machinery and oversized items onto flatbeds ahead of potential tariff hikes.

While demand isn’t breaking records yet, it still surpasses what carriers experienced during recent freight downturns. Jerad Dennis from TA Services noted that anticipated cost increases due to tariffs have prompted businesses to stockpile steel and lumber supplies early.

This month marked the implementation of President Trump’s directive imposing a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports alongside a complete review of U.S. wood supply chains focusing on timber products.

“We’ve noticed an influx of steel orders as buyers scramble for supplies before tariffs kick in,” Chris Bahr from TA Services mentioned via email regarding how this backlog could sustain elevated volumes and pricing for flatbeds over the coming months.

A Shift in Industry Dynamics

An additional element influencing spot rates is the wave of carrier exits within this specialized sector; about one-third of loads move through spot markets here more then others affected by similar trends across different transport segments.

This combination creates unique challenges but also opportunities within logistics—especially for those who can adapt quickly amid changing market conditions!