trucking

Data Center Construction Drives Flatbed Surge Through 2030

The AI boom is fundamentally a freight story. Since 2023, roughly 20 gigawatts of new data center capacity have generated approximately 2 million truckloads of materials including concrete, steel, transformers, and generators. The pipeline accelerates significantly, with 50 gigawatts planned for 2026 and 2027—translating to 5 million additional truckloads over two years, with millions more expected through 2030. However, execution remains uneven. Only one-third of 2026 capacity is under active construction, and industry estimates suggest nearly half of announced projects could face delays or cancellation. Power equipment shortages have become the primary constraint, with transformers and switchgear facing multi-year waitlists. For carriers and brokers, distinguishing between announced capacity and actual construction activity is critical for positioning, as freight follows the 18-to-24-month construction timeline rather than press release schedules.