Flatbed Freight Demand Snapshot

After months of market fluctuations, flatbed freight has entered a more balanced phase.
For shippers, carriers, and brokers, that balance is valuable — it means planning is easier, rates are more predictable, and capacity relationships matter more than ever.

During the first half of 2025, load boards and freight indexes recorded a clear rise in activity, fueled by strong construction and manufacturing freight.
By mid-summer, however, volumes and rates began to stabilize. As of fall 2025, national flatbed activity remains steady, not surging, but consistently healthy across key industrial sectors.

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Why the Market Has Stabilized

Several factors explain this plateau:

1. Construction Freight Is Consistent — but Regional.
   Federal infrastructure spending and ongoing private development are keeping construction freight flowing, especially in the South and Midwest.
   Northern markets, by contrast, have begun tapering off as weather slows building projects.
2. Manufacturing Orders Have Moderated.
   Production in steel, machinery, and fabricated metals remains strong but has cooled slightly compared to the spring surge.
   The result: a reliable baseline of freight without the volatility seen last year.
3. Equipment Availability Has Improved.
   Flatbed carriers have added capacity through new equipment purchases and returning drivers, helping balance supply with demand.

These shifts have created a steady, efficient flatbed market — one where relationships, service quality, and operational visibility define success more than chasing short-term spot highs.

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What This Means for Shippers

Flatbed freight may not be booming, but it’s far from slowing down.
Stable volumes and a balanced rate environment give shippers a valuable window to plan strategically.

Here’s how to capitalize on it:

• Lock in dependable carrier relationships now.
  Securing reliable flatbed partners before winter ensures consistency when project freight increases again.
• Focus on service and visibility, not just price.
  Predictable communication and load tracking have become key differentiators.
• Review routing guides and lane performance.
  Even in a stable market, some lanes remain tight — particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, and industrial Midwest corridors.

The flatbed sector continues to outperform van and reefer freight in both rate strength and consistency — proof that heavy-haul and construction freight remain pillars of the economy.

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Looking Ahead to 2026

Industry analysts expect flatbed freight to maintain steady-to-slightly-stronger volumes through early 2026 as infrastructure spending and energy projects expand.
While nationwide rates may stay near current levels, regional demand spikes are likely in markets tied to manufacturing and construction investment.

Shippers that plan early and partner with brokers experienced in these specialized lanes will be best positioned to capture capacity and minimize delays.

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RCS Freight Services: Flatbed Expertise You Can Count On

At RCS Freight Services, we specialize in flatbed and project freight solutions that align with real-time market trends.
Our team monitors industrial and construction activity daily to anticipate shifts in supply and demand — helping clients secure the right trucks, at the right time, for the right price.