Navigating Flatbed Pricing Volatility During Construction Season

The construction industry is a vital part of the economy, responsible for building the infrastructure and buildings that form the backbone of society. However, it is also a notoriously volatile industry, subject to fluctuations in demand, supply, and pricing. One of the factors that contribute to this volatility is the pricing of flatbed transportation during construction season.

Flatbed transportation is an essential service in the construction industry, used to move large and heavy equipment and materials to and from construction sites. Flatbed trucks are designed with a flat platform on which cargo can be loaded, making them ideal for hauling oversized and overweight loads that cannot be accommodated by standard trucks or trailers.

Construction Season

During the construction season, which typically runs from late spring to early fall, demand for flatbed transportation increases significantly. As construction activity ramps up, so does the need for materials, equipment, and supplies to be transported to job sites. This increased demand puts pressure on flatbed carriers to meet the needs of their customers, which can result in higher

prices.

The pricing of flatbed transportation during construction season is influenced by several factors, including fuel costs, driver availability, and equipment availability. Fuel costs are a significant factor in the pricing of transportation services, as the cost of diesel fuel can vary widely depending on global oil prices and other market factors.

Driver Availability

Driver availability is also a crucial factor in pricing, as carriers need to have enough drivers available to meet the demand for their services. During the construction season, many drivers are in high demand, which can drive up wages and benefits costs for carriers, and ultimately impact pricing.

Equipment Availability

Equipment availability is another factor that can influence flatbed pricing during construction season. Carriers need to have enough flatbed trucks and trailers available to meet the needs of their customers. If there is a shortage of equipment, carriers may need to pay more to lease or purchase additional trucks and trailers, which can increase their costs and ultimately impact pricing.

Flatbed Pricing Volatility

The pricing volatility of flatbed transportation during construction season can be challenging for construction companies and their customers. These companies need to factor in the potential for higher prices when planning their projects and budgets, and may need to adjust their timelines or find alternative transportation solutions to stay on schedule. Alternative solutions may include specialty equipment alternatives during tight capacity seasons such as Curtainside or Conestoga solutions.

Mitigate Pricing Volatility

To mitigate the impact of flatbed pricing volatility during construction season, construction companies and their customers can take several steps. These include planning ahead and scheduling deliveries and pickups well in advance, partner with a 3PL like Translogistics to source capacity at fair market rates, working with carriers to optimize routes and reduce costs, and considering alternative transportation options such as rail or barge. TLI's Mode Optimization team can check alternative equipment types for you!

In conclusion, the pricing of flatbed transportation during construction season is subject to volatility due to various factors such as fuel costs, driver availability, and equipment availability. This volatility can impact construction companies and their customers, who need to factor in the potential for higher prices when planning their projects and budgets. By planning ahead

and exploring alternative transportation options, construction companies can help mitigate the impact of flatbed pricing volatility and stay on schedule.

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