Flatbed Dispatch in Indiana
Indiana's flatbed market is powered by steel mills in Gary and East Chicago, automotive manufacturing statewide, and strong construction demand in the Indianapolis metro area. The state is the eastern gateway to the Steel Belt.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Indiana
Gary and East Chicago are home to some of America's largest steel mills — ArcelorMittal, US Steel, and Cleveland-Cliffs all operate major facilities. Automotive plants (Subaru in Lafayette, GM in Fort Wayne) generate daily equipment and parts loads. Indianapolis construction and Midwest infrastructure projects add diverse flatbed demand.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Indiana
Steel coils and sheet steel from Indiana mills to Chicago fabricators. 30 miles at $4.00-$5.00/mile — the best-paying short-haul flatbed lane in the Midwest.
Construction materials and manufacturing equipment via I-65. 115 miles with balanced freight flow.
Auto parts and manufacturing equipment via I-69. 160 miles with consistent demand from Michigan automakers.
Building materials and industrial equipment via I-65. 185 miles at $3.50-$4.50/mile.
Indiana flatbed peaks March through November with construction and infrastructure projects. Steel from Gary mills runs year-round — mills operate 24/7. Winter slows outdoor construction but automotive equipment and steel loads continue. Carriers with coil racks earn premium rates year-round from the Gary/East Chicago steel corridor.
Flatbed Freight in Indiana
The Gary-to-Chicago steel run is legendary — $4.00-$5.00/mile for 30 miles. But mills require hard hats, steel-toed boots, and high-vis vests on property.
Flatbed Rates in Indiana
The Gary-to-Chicago steel run is legendary among flatbed operators — 30 miles for $4.00-$5.00/mile. But mills have strict appointment times and safety requirements. Hard hats, steel-toed boots, and high-vis vests are mandatory on mill property. FF Dispatch handles all mill appointments and logistics.
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 Indiana
- ✓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 Indiana & 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 Indiana
What makes Gary/East Chicago special for flatbed?
Gary and East Chicago host some of America's largest steel mills. Daily flatbed loads of coils, beams, and sheet steel ship to fabricators throughout the Midwest. Short-haul steel runs to Chicago pay $4.00-$5.00/mile. Coil rack-equipped carriers are in especially high demand.
Do I need coil racks for Indiana flatbed?
Coil racks unlock the highest-paying Indiana flatbed freight — steel coils from Gary mills. Without them, you still access construction materials, auto parts, and general flatbed loads. But coil-capable carriers earn 15-25% more in this market.
Is there flatbed work beyond steel in Indiana?
Yes — automotive equipment from Subaru (Lafayette), GM (Fort Wayne), and other plants. Indianapolis construction materials. Agricultural equipment during planting and harvest. Indiana flatbed is diverse beyond steel, though steel is the premium freight.
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 Indiana Today
Join Indiana carriers earning $3.25/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.