Flatbed Dispatch in Alabama
Alabama flatbed freight centers on Birmingham's steel industry, construction materials, and heavy equipment for the growing automotive and infrastructure sectors. The state's mild climate allows year-round construction, keeping flatbed demand steadier than northern states.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Alabama
Birmingham was built on steel, and while the industry has evolved, the region remains a major steel and metals distribution center. Alabama's ongoing infrastructure investments, automotive plant expansions, and Port of Mobile growth create consistent flatbed demand. Huntsville's aerospace sector adds specialized heavy equipment loads. Year-round construction — unlike weather-limited northern states — provides steady baseline freight.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Alabama
Steel and construction materials via I-20. 150 miles at $3.80-$4.80/mile for flatbed loads with quick turnaround for multiple daily runs.
Port equipment and industrial materials via I-10. 370 miles with strong demand from Gulf Coast energy and manufacturing sectors.
Steel products and building materials via I-65. 190 miles with balanced freight flow supporting Nashville's construction boom.
Aerospace equipment and manufactured goods via US-72. 110 miles with premium rates for specialized heavy loads.
Alabama flatbed runs strong March through November with peak construction and automotive plant activity. Hurricane season can create surge demand for emergency building materials to the Gulf Coast. Winter is mild enough for year-round construction, though volumes dip slightly December through February.
Flatbed Freight in Alabama
Birmingham steel yards load early — most appointments start at 5-6 AM. Carriers who can handle early starts get first pick of premium loads heading to Atlanta and Nashville construction sites.
Flatbed Rates in Alabama
The Birmingham steel corridor along I-59 between Bessemer and Gadsden has dozens of mills and fabrication shops that ship daily. These loads are short-haul but high-rate. Carriers who can tarp quickly and handle multiple stops per day earn more per week than long-haul flatbed runners.
Best Flatbed Lanes Nationwide
Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Gary, Detroit. Steel and manufacturing hub with consistent heavy freight. Rates: $3.00-3.80/mile.
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio. Oil/gas equipment, construction materials, heavy machinery. Rates: $3.20-4.00/mile.
Atlanta, Charlotte, Florida. Booming construction markets with high demand for building materials. Rates: $2.90-3.60/mile.
Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle. Import equipment and materials from ports to inland markets. Rates: $3.40-4.20/mile.
Flatbed Equipment for Alabama
- ✓48-foot or 53-foot flatbed trailer
- ✓Complete set of chains, binders, and straps
- ✓Tarps (multiple sizes for different load types)
- ✓Edge protectors and corner protectors
Flatbed Challenges in Alabama & How We Solve Them
Weather Sensitivity
Tarping and securement in rain, snow, and ice is dangerous and time-consuming. Winter months can be brutal.
We prioritize no-tarp loads when weather is bad and negotiate detention time for weather delays. We also secure indoor loading facilities when available and build extra time into routes for safe securement.
Physical Demands
Flatbed requires significant physical labor: tarping, chaining, strapping, climbing. It's more demanding than van or reefer.
We target loads with loading/unloading assistance and negotiate higher rates that justify the physical effort. We also help you build a mix of easy loads (pre-tarped, no-tarp) with high-paying challenging loads.
Load Securement Liability
Improper securement can result in cargo damage, accidents, and significant liability. DOT is strict on flatbed securement.
We provide ongoing securement training resources and only work with experienced flatbed operators. We also help you access proper equipment and photograph securement for liability protection.
Seasonal Slowdowns
Construction slows in winter months, especially in northern states, reducing flatbed demand.
We diversify with year-round freight (steel, machinery) and position you in warm-weather markets (Texas, Southeast, Southwest) during winter. We also leverage holiday manufacturing demand and infrastructure projects.
Flatbed Dispatch FAQs for Alabama
What steel freight is available in Birmingham?
Birmingham has a legacy steel industry with modern mills and distribution centers. Nucor, SSAB, and regional fabricators ship coils, beams, plate, and pipe daily. Most loads head to Atlanta, Nashville, or Gulf Coast construction sites. Coil racks are a plus but not always required.
Does the Port of Mobile have flatbed opportunities?
Yes — Mobile handles heavy lift and project cargo including construction equipment, steel imports, and oversized machinery. Flatbed drayage from port pays $300-$500/load. Long-haul flatbed loads from port average $3.00-$3.40/mile.
Is tarping required for Alabama flatbed loads?
About 60% of Alabama flatbed loads require tarps — mainly lumber, building materials, and some steel products. Pipe and heavy machinery typically ship untarped. Having good tarps and being efficient at tarping gives you access to more loads and better rates.
How much more can I earn with flatbed vs dry van?
Flatbed rates are typically 25-35% higher than dry van. Our flatbed carriers average $3.25/mile vs $2.85/mile for dry van. This translates to $50,000-80,000 more annually. However, flatbed has higher operating costs (tarps, chains, straps, physical wear) of about $5,000-8,000/year. Net, flatbed operators earn $42,000-72,000 more than dry van annually.
What if I'm new to flatbed - do you work with less experienced operators?
We prefer at least 6-12 months of flatbed experience for safety and liability reasons. Improper securement is dangerous and costly. If you're transitioning from van to flatbed, we recommend getting experience with a training-focused carrier first, then joining us. For experienced flatbed operators, we provide resources and best practices to continually improve securement skills.
Start Flatbed Dispatching in Alabama Today
Join Alabama carriers earning $3.10/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.