Dry Van Dispatch in Indiana
Indianapolis is the Midwest crossroads — within a day's drive of 75% of US markets. Indiana offers strong dry van demand from Amazon fulfillment centers, automotive manufacturing, and growing distribution infrastructure with some of the lowest operating costs in the Midwest.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Indiana
Indianapolis has six interstates converging (I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74, I-465, I-70), providing loads to Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Louisville, and beyond. Amazon has 10+ fulfillment centers in Indiana. The state's central location and no-toll major routes (except I-80/I-90) make it cost-effective for carriers.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Indiana
Midwest's busiest lane via I-65 with e-commerce and consumer goods. 185 miles at $3.50-$4.50/mile — premium short-haul.
Regional corridor via I-74 with consumer goods and pharmaceuticals. 110 miles with quick turnaround.
Industrial connector via I-69 with auto parts and steel. 160 miles with consistent demand.
East-West lane via I-70 with e-commerce distribution. 175 miles with growing volume.
September through November peaks with Amazon Prime Day overflow, holiday retail, and auto production cycles. Spring brings agricultural equipment and construction. Summer is steady with e-commerce volume. Winter is softest but Indianapolis's central location keeps rates only 5-10% below annual averages — better than most Midwest states.
Dry Van Freight in Indiana
Most major Indiana routes (I-65, I-70, I-69, I-74) are toll-free — a significant cost advantage over Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania that goes straight to your bottom line.
Dry Van Rates in Indiana
Indiana's big advantage is cost — most major routes (I-65, I-70, I-69, I-74) are toll-free. Only the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90) charges tolls. Combined with lower fuel prices and no congestion outside Indianapolis, Indiana carriers keep more of their gross revenue. FF Dispatch factors these savings into helping carriers maximize net income.
Best Dry Van Lanes Nationwide
Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis to Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis. High volume consumer goods and automotive parts. Rates: $2.50-3.20/mile.
Los Angeles, San Francisco to Dallas, Houston. Heavy retail and consumer product flow. Rates: $2.80-3.50/mile.
New York, Philadelphia, Boston loop. Dense population centers with consistent demand. Rates: $2.60-3.00/mile.
Dallas, Houston, San Antonio circuit. Strong industrial and retail freight. Rates: $2.40-2.90/mile.
Dry Van Equipment for Indiana
- ✓53-foot dry van trailer (most common)
- ✓Standard commercial insurance ($1M liability minimum)
- ✓No special certifications required
- ✓Air ride suspension preferred but not required
Dry Van Challenges in Indiana & How We Solve Them
High Competition
Dry van is the most common equipment type, leading to intense competition for loads and pressure on rates.
Our exclusive broker relationships and premium load board access get you loads other carriers never see. We negotiate rates 20-30% higher than posted rates.
Rate Volatility
Dry van rates fluctuate significantly with seasonality, with slow periods in Q1 and peaks in Q4.
We track seasonal patterns and position you in high-demand lanes before peak seasons. We also secure contract lanes for consistent income during slow periods.
Deadhead Miles
Finding quality backhauls can be challenging, especially from less populated areas.
Strategic load planning and our network of shippers reduces your deadhead by 40%, keeping you loaded and profitable.
Detention Time
Dry van loads frequently experience delays at warehouses and distribution centers.
We negotiate detention pay upfront ($50-75/hour) and aggressively pursue detention claims, averaging $400-600/month in recovered fees.
Dry Van Dispatch FAQs for Indiana
Why is Indianapolis good for dry van?
Indianapolis is within a day's drive of 75% of US markets. Six interstates converge here. Amazon has 10+ fulfillment centers in Indiana. Most major routes are toll-free. It is one of the most cost-effective bases for dry van operations in the Midwest.
How big is Amazon's Indiana operation?
Amazon has 10+ fulfillment and distribution centers in Indiana — more per capita than almost any state. This creates massive outbound e-commerce freight year-round. Peak season (October-December) sees Amazon-related loads paying 20-30% above normal rates.
Are there tolls on Indiana highways?
Only the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90) in northern Indiana charges tolls — $15-$35 for trucks. All other major routes are toll-free. This is a significant cost advantage over Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
What makes dry van dispatch different from other equipment types?
Dry van is the most versatile and common freight type, meaning more load availability but also more competition. Our dispatch service gives you an edge by accessing loads and rates that self-dispatching carriers can't find. We specialize in dry van freight patterns and have relationships with brokers who prefer working with professional dispatch services.
What are typical dry van rates in 2024?
National average for dry van is $2.10-2.30/mile for spot market loads, but rates vary significantly by lane and season. Our dispatchers consistently negotiate $2.60-3.20/mile by leveraging market data and broker relationships. High-demand lanes like CA to TX or Midwest to Southeast can command $3.00-3.50/mile during peak seasons.
Start Dry Van Dispatching in Indiana Today
Join Indiana carriers earning $2.85/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.