Flatbed Dispatch in Colorado
Colorado flatbed demand is fueled by construction along the booming Front Range, energy sector operations, and infrastructure projects in the mountains. The state's growing population drives constant demand for building materials and heavy equipment.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Colorado
Colorado's Front Range (Denver to Colorado Springs) is one of the fastest-growing regions in America. Construction spending is massive — residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects run year-round at lower elevations. Oil and gas operations on the Western Slope and wind energy in eastern Colorado add energy sector flatbed freight.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Colorado
Construction materials and energy equipment heading south via I-25/US-287. 780 miles at $3.00-$3.40/mile.
Building materials and manufactured products via I-70. 525 miles with winter rate premiums for mountain crossing.
Construction equipment and agricultural machinery heading east via I-70. 600 miles at $2.90-$3.30/mile.
Building materials and manufactured products heading southwest via I-25/I-40. 600 miles with consistent year-round demand.
Colorado flatbed peaks March through October with construction season at lower elevations. Mountain infrastructure work concentrates in June-September when passes are clear. Energy sector flatbed runs year-round. Winter flatbed slows but indoor construction and equipment moves continue. Front Range construction starts earlier than mountain projects.
Flatbed Freight in Colorado
Colorado mountain flatbed deliveries require extra securement attention — steep grades can shift loads. Double-check all chains and straps before descending mountain passes. Runaway truck ramps are positioned on major grades for a reason.
Flatbed Rates in Colorado
Wind energy installations in eastern Colorado (near Limon, Burlington) create oversized flatbed loads for tower sections, blades, and nacelles. These loads pay $3.50-$4.50/mile but require specialized step deck or RGN equipment and often escort vehicles. FF Dispatch connects carriers with wind farm logistics companies for consistent access.
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 Colorado
- ✓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 Colorado & 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 Colorado
How does mountain driving affect Colorado flatbed?
Steep grades on I-70 (6% through Eisenhower Tunnel area and Vail Pass) require careful load securement and engine braking. Flatbed loads shift more than enclosed freight on grades. Double-check all chains and straps at the top of every descent. Runaway truck ramps exist for emergencies.
What wind energy freight is available in Colorado?
Eastern Colorado has growing wind farm installations. Tower sections, blades (up to 200+ feet), and nacelles move by flatbed, step deck, and RGN. Loads pay $3.50-$4.50/mile and require escort vehicles for oversized components. This is growing freight with multi-year project pipelines.
Is Front Range construction good for flatbed year-round?
Front Range construction (Denver to Colorado Springs) is strong March through November. Winter slows outdoor work but indoor construction, equipment moves, and infrastructure projects continue. It is not truly year-round like Arizona or Florida, but the busy season is long and rates are strong.
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 Colorado Today
Join Colorado carriers earning $3.15/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.