Flatbed Dispatch in Delaware
Delaware flatbed demand centers on Wilmington's chemical manufacturing corridor, coastal construction in beach communities, and port freight from the Port of Wilmington. The state's small size is offset by premium Northeast rates.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Delaware
Wilmington's chemical corridor — the legacy of DuPont — generates industrial equipment and manufacturing freight year-round. The Port of Wilmington handles steel, fruit, and automotive imports that require flatbed transport. Delaware beach communities (Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey) drive coastal construction. Infrastructure projects on I-95 and US-13 add government contract freight.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Delaware
Steel imports and port equipment via I-95. 30 miles at ultra-premium short-haul rates of $5.00-$7.00/mile.
Chemical equipment and industrial materials via I-95. 70 miles at $4.00-$5.50/mile.
Construction materials for coastal development. 45 miles at premium rates during building season.
Industrial equipment and manufactured goods via I-95. 50 miles with consistent demand from chemical corridor.
Delaware flatbed peaks March through November with construction season. Beach community construction in Rehoboth and Bethany surges April through October. Port of Wilmington operates year-round with consistent import volumes. Chemical corridor equipment shipments are not seasonal. Winter is the softest period but I-95 infrastructure work fills gaps.
Flatbed Freight in Delaware
Port of Wilmington flatbed loads require TWIC cards and advance appointments — the port is small but efficient, so being on time is critical for avoiding multi-hour delays.
Flatbed Rates in Delaware
The Port of Wilmington specializes in fresh fruit imports (bananas, produce) but also handles significant steel and automotive freight that needs flatbed transport. It is one of the fastest ports on the East Coast — turnaround times are 2-3 hours compared to 6-8 hours at larger ports. FF Dispatch coordinates port appointments for efficient in-and-out.
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 Delaware
- ✓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 Delaware & 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 Delaware
What port freight comes from Wilmington?
The Port of Wilmington handles steel imports, automotive vehicles, and fresh fruit. Flatbed loads of steel and oversized cargo head to fabricators and construction sites in the Philadelphia-Baltimore corridor. The port is small but efficient — turnaround times are among the fastest on the East Coast.
Is Delaware flatbed profitable despite the state's small size?
Yes — Delaware's Northeast location means premium rates per mile. A 30-mile port run at $5.00-$7.00/mile earns more than a 150-mile run in many other states. Multiple short-haul loads per day drive strong weekly earnings. FF Dispatch keeps DE flatbed carriers loaded with back-to-back short runs.
What about Delaware beach construction?
Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach see constant development — new hotels, condos, and luxury homes. Building materials (lumber, steel, concrete) ship from Wilmington and Dover to the coast during building season (April-October). Rates are strong because of limited coastal road access.
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 Delaware Today
Join Delaware carriers earning $3.20/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.