Tariffs for the transportation of goods by the flatbed trucks in the United States increased by 4 cents over the past week, showing the largest weekly increase in 2025. This increase is due to tariffs and seasonal demand.

We see a six-week increase that has led to the highest year-to-date prices since 2017, according to DAT.

The growth is caused by the seasonal revival in construction, agriculture and the import of machinery, which traditionally begins in March-April. Carriers are also actively moving goods such as timber, metal, and oversized objects due to uncertainty about the new tariffs.
 

Photo by None, Pexels

DAT analyst Dean Kroc noted that demand for platforms is now outpacing other types of transportation. In contrast, rates for vans and refrigerated trucks have continued to decline for the seventh week in a row.

Experts predict a further increase in betting on platforms in the coming months due to steady demand. However, uncertainty about tariff policy may affect long-term trends in the freight transportation industry.