AI Data Center Buildout Boosts Trucking Demand, But Post-Construction Traffic May Drop Off

According to CNBC, the rapid buildout of AI data centers is increasing freight demand for trucking companies, especially for flatbed and heavy-haul carriers moving HVAC systems, tubing, wiring, semiconductors, transformers, generators and other construction materials. Patrick Brennan of Cox Fleet said AI and data center activity is giving fleets an opportunity even as overall freight demand remains uneven, while Jennifer Lockett of altLINE said the projects are creating new work for carriers but can pressure cash flow because of upfront fuel, labor and maintenance costs. Janelle Griffith of Marsh said trucking traffic and routes are rising in Georgia and Texas, and cited research showing 67% of planned data center developments are in rural areas and 39% are in counties where there are currently none. Kyle Roberts of Newmark Mountain West said much of the freight still moves by rail first and then by truck for the final leg to the site, which has helped the LTL segment. He also warned that truck traffic drops sharply once a data center is built, and Kyre Lahtinen of Wake Forest University said communities should be cautious about overbuilding infrastructure for demand that may not last after construction ends.