DAT Freight & Analytics

The Southeast's construction boom is creating steady freight opportunities for flatbed carriers🏗️🚛

The South continues to lead the nation in new residential construction, and that demand is creating steady opportunities for flatbed carriers moving building materials and equipment throughout the region.

🏗️ Strong construction activity across Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas
📦 Lumber, steel, roofing materials, drywall, and heavy equipment moving daily
🚛 Consistent flatbed demand in markets like Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, and Houston
📈 Alabama spot rates up 32% compared to last year

One lane to watch: Birmingham to Lakeland, FL, where rates are averaging $4.13 per mile, up 28% year over year.

For flatbed carriers, the Southeast remains one of the strongest regional markets this week👀

Freight volumes may be holding steady, but transportation costs are telling a different story🚚

According to the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index:
📦 Shipment volumes remained relatively flat
💰 Freight spending increased
🚛 Higher transportation costs continue to put pressure on shippers

It's another sign that market conditions are shifting, even without a significant increase in freight demand 👉 https://bit.ly/4ftSqLs

Dry Van Report: The Q1 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index shows costs surging even as volumes hold flat - DAT Freight & Analytics - Blog Freight volumes were essentially unchanged in the first quarter, but what shippers paid to move their goods tells a very

Flatbed freight continues to show signs of resilience🚛

Despite ongoing uncertainty across the freight market, flatbed demand remains relatively steady.

What's supporting activity?
🏗️ Construction spending remains elevated
⚙️ Manufacturing demand is holding up
🚚 Capacity remains relatively balanced in many markets

The latest ATA truck tonnage data points to continued stability for flatbed carriers 👉 https://bit.ly/4ukTS6C

Flatbed Report: Tonnage holds firm; what the ATA's April reading means for flatbed carriers - DAT Freight & Analytics - Blog The broader freight market is showing more resilience than the headlines suggest. The ATA’s For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index came in