Average the DAT national average flatbed spot rate for October, November and December 2026, all-in and including fuel surcharge. Average the three monthly averages and round to the nearest cent. Source: DAT Trendlines or DAT monthly rate reports.

Flatbed has been the standout truckload segment through 2026. The DAT national flatbed spot rate sits near $3.69 a mile all-in, with contract at $3.89, both well above the five-year average, while van and reefer lag. Demand is concentrated in a few capital-heavy sources: data-center construction, grid and energy capex, Permian oil and gas, and rising domestic steel output as mills substitute for tariffed imports. Flatbed typically peaks during the Q2 and Q3 project season and softens into the fourth quarter. This market asks where the national average lands in Q4 2026, after the seasonal tailwind fades. It extends the Q2 national flatbed market into the back half of the year.

Average the DAT national average flatbed spot rate for October, November and December 2026, all-in and including fuel surcharge. Average the three monthly averages and round to the nearest cent. Source: DAT Trendlines or DAT monthly rate reports.

Flatbed has been the standout truckload segment through 2026. The DAT national flatbed spot rate sits near $3.69 a mile all-in, with contract at $3.89, both well above the five-year average, while van and reefer lag. Demand is concentrated in a few capital-heavy sources: data-center construction, grid and energy capex, Permian oil and gas, and rising domestic steel output as mills substitute for tariffed imports. Flatbed typically peaks during the Q2 and Q3 project season and softens into the fourth quarter. This market asks where the national average lands in Q4 2026, after the seasonal tailwind fades. It extends the Q2 national flatbed market into the back half of the year.