trucking

Farm Equipment Sales Plunge Signals Weakness Ahead for Ag Flatbed Carriers

Agricultural equipment sales are deteriorating sharply, raising concerns for flatbed carriers specializing in machinery transport. Farm tractor sales dropped 12.4 percent through May versus 2025, while combine sales fell 14 percent. May alone saw self-propelled combine sales collapse 56 percent compared to the prior year.

Depressed commodity prices and trade policy uncertainty are restraining farmer investment in new equipment, according to industry analysts. The weakness is particularly acute in key manufacturing regions including Central Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and the Eastern Plains. Carriers in these areas report fewer tender opportunities and softening rates on distribution-tied lanes.

Elevated inventory levels offer potential relief. Beginning inventory for May totaled 94,191 tractors and 714 combines awaiting dealer delivery. Once farm income stabilizes and trade uncertainty subsides, carriers could see a meaningful surge in equipment shipments.