Flatbed Dispatch in Kansas
Kansas flatbed freight combines aviation manufacturing from Wichita, agricultural equipment distribution, and growing wind energy installations. The state's central location and low operating costs make it an efficient base for flatbed operators serving multiple regions.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Kansas
Wichita is the Air Capital of the World — Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna, and Beechcraft ship heavy aircraft components on flatbed and step deck trailers. Kansas is a top wind energy state with turbine blade transport paying $8-$15/mile for qualified carriers. Agricultural equipment moves heavily during planting and harvest seasons. Steel and building materials flow through Kansas City's distribution network. The grain harvest weight exemption (10% increase in June-July) benefits heavy-haul operators.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Kansas
Aviation components and manufacturing equipment via I-35. 365 miles at flatbed rates of $3.30-$4.00/mile with consistent aerospace demand.
Steel, building materials, and agricultural equipment via I-70. 600 miles with balanced freight flow and growing construction demand.
Aviation parts and oil field equipment via I-35. 160 miles at premium short-haul rates of $4.00-$5.50/mile.
Agricultural equipment and wind energy components via I-135/I-35. 580 miles with seasonal peaks during planting and harvest.
Kansas flatbed peaks during planting season (March-May) and harvest (September-October) with agricultural equipment moves. Aviation manufacturing is year-round. Wind farm construction peaks March through November. The grain harvest weight exemption (June-July) allows 10% heavier loads on designated routes. Winter is the slowest period for flatbed.
Flatbed Freight in Kansas
Wind turbine blade loads in Kansas pay $8-$15/mile but require specialized trailers, oversize permits ($50-$200), and two escort vehicles. If you have the equipment and experience, this is some of the highest-paying flatbed freight in America.
Flatbed Rates in Kansas
Kansas allows a 10% weight increase for grain-hauling trucks during wheat harvest (June-July) on designated routes — no special permit needed. This benefits flatbed carriers hauling heavy agricultural equipment to and from farms during this period. FF Dispatch tracks harvest timing and weight exemption routes.
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 Kansas
- ✓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 Kansas & 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 Kansas
What aviation flatbed freight comes from Wichita?
Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna, and Beechcraft ship aircraft fuselages, wing assemblies, and heavy components requiring flatbed and step deck. These loads pay $3.30-$4.00/mile and run year-round. Securement requirements are strict — aviation components are high-value and damage claims are costly.
How do I get into wind turbine blade hauling?
Wind turbine blades are 150-250 feet long and require specialized extendable trailers, oversize permits, and 2 escort vehicles. Loads pay $8-$15/mile — among the highest flatbed rates available. You need oversize hauling experience and proper insurance. Kansas is a top wind energy state with growing installations.
Is the grain harvest weight exemption useful for flatbed?
During wheat harvest (June-July), Kansas allows 10% heavier loads (to 88,000 lbs) on designated routes without special permits. While this primarily benefits grain haulers, flatbed carriers moving heavy agricultural equipment benefit from the same routes having higher weight tolerance.
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 Kansas Today
Join Kansas carriers earning $3.20/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.