Flatbed Tonnage Steady at 3-Year Peak; Spot Rates Hit Record $2.89/Mile

Key Details The ATA's For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index held flat in April after a 1% gain in March, but this stability marks genuine strength for flatbed operators. The index has climbed 4.7% cumulatively since year-end 2025 and hasn't declined once this year, putting tonnage back at levels last seen in fall 2022. Year-over-year comparisons reinforce the positive trend. April's seasonally adjusted index hit 117.8, up 3.5% from April 2025, with the first four months of 2026 running 2.6% ahead of the same period last year. This steady demand reflects industrial and construction activity that directly drives flatbed volumes for steel, lumber, and heavy equipment. Why It Matters Meaningwhile, national flatbed spot rates reached a record $2.89 per mile last week, up $0.02 from the prior week and capping an 11-week surge of 21% ($0.58 per mile). Rates now exceed the June 2021 previous record by $0.14 and run 34% above last year's levels. Capacity tightness remains the primary driver. The flatbed load-to-truck ratio climbed 12% to 76.71, with load postings up 83% year-over-year. For carriers disciplined on rates, the seasonal construction window combined with structural capacity pressure creates a supportive environment through mid-summer.