Fremont, CA: The flatbed freight sector has seen a significant increase in demand, leading to delayed shipments and slower performance by trucking companies. The factors and trends behind this upswing remain unclear.
Why Flatbed Freight?
Flatbed freight options are increasingly popular due to their versatility across ground, rail, ocean, and air shipping methods. These options, including containers, trailers, and train cars, are ideal for bulky, difficult-to-lift material loads like construction materials and stored goods, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution for various shipping and transport needs. There are several factors contributing to the increase in demand.
Factors contributing to the increase in demand
1. Higher Import Demands.
The rise in flatbed use is primarily due to the high demand for imported goods, driving the use of refrigerated and cold storage flatbeds for transporting high-quality, inexpensive goods from port markets.
2. Construction Activity Is On The Rise.
The construction sector's rapid growth is causing a surge in demand for materials, components, and machinery. Flatbed freight vehicles are ideal for transporting these materials due to their ability to accommodate heavy loads. As governments prioritize infrastructure projects globally, flatbed freight vehicles will continue to be the preferred choice.
3. Oil and Drilling Booms.
The global demand for crude oil has surged, affecting the construction and import sectors leading to increased oil-based goods shipment and drilling operations. Stable energy prices have exacerbated this trend, resulting in higher oil and fuel demand, stabilizing oil prices and creating an efficient market.
4. Healthy Consumer Markets.
Consumer shopping activity may experience slower activity due to current events. Despite a phenomenal consumer market, higher demand for general goods has led retailers to take on larger shipments, increasing the need for flatbed-type freight containers and vehicles.
5. Larger Goods Mean Larger Transports.
Flatbeds are in high demand due to the increased movement of larger goods and materials, including furniture, electronics, and online-ordered building materials.
