Flatbed trucking rates have increased significantly over the past month due to steel and lumber shippers rushing to stockpile inventory amidst tariff uncertainties. This surge marks the highest flatbed pricing at the beginning of the year since 2017, driven by seasonal demand in construction and freight repositioning. The average flatbed spot rate rose to $2.13 per mile, with a notable increase in the load-to-truck ratio. Tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imports have further influenced shippers to expedite cargo imports, creating a backlog in steel orders and sustaining elevated flatbed volumes and rates in the near term.

Source: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/flatbed-freight-rates-2025-march-rate-increase-trend/743544/