Flatbeds Are Full — Open-Deck Demand Explodes Nationwide

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

If you’re rolling a flatbed, stepdeck, or RGN rig — July just turned into Christmas in cargo form. Open-deck demand is surging, with freight piling up from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. And no, this ain’t some seasonal blip. We’re talking construction booms, heavy equipment, and machinery loads hitting all at once.

So what’s fueling the spike? Who’s cashing in? And what should you be doing right now to make the most of it?

Let’s break it down diesel-style — real, raw, and ready to roll.

What’s Behind the Boom?

Flatbed freight isn’t just busy — it’s bursting at the seams. Here’s what’s driving it:

Construction season is peaking, especially in the South and Midwest

Infrastructure projects funded by state and federal dollars are now hitting the ground

Machinery sales are up, thanks to manufacturing recovery and farm expansion

Seaport imports of heavy goods are flowing inland again after earlier slowdowns

And unlike dry van or reefer, this freight doesn’t wait around. When a construction crew is ready, they need that steel yesterday.

North AND South Are Hot

Usually, flatbed spikes are regional — the South gets busy while the North chills, or vice versa. But this summer, both ends are cranking hard.

Southern boom: Texas, Louisiana, and Florida are moving pipe, roofing materials, oilfield equipment, and prefab structures

Northern push: Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are loading steel coils, beams, turbines, and solar farm materials

If you’re an OTR flatbedder, opportunities are everywhere — it’s just a matter of how far you want to roll and how well you can negotiate.

Open-Deck Rates Are Climbing

The beauty of flatbed freight in a tight market? You set the tone.

When brokers get desperate for open-deck capacity, they’ll pay — and if you’re smart, you’ll hold the line. According to the latest lane data:

Flatbed spot rates are up $0.15–$0.25/mile in key lanes

RGN and oversize loads are commanding even more, especially with tight escort scheduling

Short-haul loads are paying like long-haul, especially near job sites

But you gotta be sharp. Take bad freight just to keep rolling and you’ll miss the high-dollar stuff. Use your network. Ask for detention, tarp pay, and extra stops — because this market can afford it.

Challenges? Oh, They’re There…

Don’t let the boom blind you — there’s still work in the hustle.

Driver fatigue is real. The heat is brutal, and load securement ain’t getting any easier.

Gear failure spikes in summer — busted tarps, blown straps, and worn-out winches are slowing drivers down

Overbooking risk is up — some carriers are biting off more than they can haul

And watch for broker games. When freight is hot, so is the BS. Don’t let ‘em lowball you or overpromise — this is YOUR time to win.

If You’re in the Game — Level Up

Now’s the time to sharpen your playbook:

Double down on securement speed and safety — win those repeat loads

Invest in your gear — replace anything questionable

Get your permits ready — oversize loads are calling

Upgrade your booking game — know your numbers, ask for bonuses

And if you’ve been thinking about adding a trailer or hiring a second driver? July might just be your signal.

What It Means for the Industry

Flatbed freight isn’t just spiking — it’s shaping the post-pandemic recovery. With all the rebuilding, remodeling, and industrial investment across the country, flatbed is the backbone of that progress.

That means rates could stay strong well into Q3 — maybe even Q4 if weather and demand hold. It also means open-deck carriers will be in the driver’s seat when negotiating contract rates come fall.

Bottom Line — Strap It and Stack It

Open-deck demand is on fire, and flatbed drivers are finally getting a shot at real profit again. But don’t just ride the wave — learn how to surf it.

Be smart. Be selective. Be professional. That’s how you turn one hot month into a six-figure year.

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👉 Need gear tips, mindset shifts, or money advice? Cruise over to LifeAsATrucker.com