Flatbed Dispatch in Louisiana
Louisiana flatbed is dominated by the oil and gas industry, petrochemical plant construction, and port heavy equipment. The Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans industrial corridor is one of the densest concentrations of heavy industry in America, creating massive flatbed demand.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Louisiana
Louisiana's petrochemical corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans contains hundreds of refineries, chemical plants, and industrial facilities requiring constant equipment and materials movement. Oil and gas operations in the Gulf create demand for pipe, equipment, and machinery. Port of New Orleans handles heavy equipment imports. Industrial turnaround projects create seasonal surges.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Louisiana
Energy equipment and industrial materials via I-10. 350 miles at $3.30-$3.80/mile with consistent demand from the petrochemical corridor.
Industrial equipment and manufactured products via I-49/I-20. 450 miles at $3.00-$3.50/mile.
Port heavy freight and industrial materials via I-10. 150 miles with premium short-haul flatbed rates.
Oil field equipment and timber via I-20. 220 miles with steady industrial demand.
Louisiana flatbed is tied to energy prices — when crude oil is above $70/barrel, demand across the corridor is strong. Industrial plant turnarounds (planned maintenance shutdowns) happen spring and fall, creating 2-4 week surges of premium flatbed loads. Hurricane season (June-November) creates emergency demand for building materials. Construction runs year-round in Louisiana's mild climate.
Flatbed Freight in Louisiana
Louisiana industrial plant deliveries often require safety orientation before entering the facility. Some plants require 4-hour safety courses. Confirm requirements before accepting loads to avoid unpaid wait time.
Flatbed Rates in Louisiana
Petrochemical plant turnarounds along the I-10 corridor happen on published schedules. A single plant turnaround can generate 200+ flatbed loads over 3-4 weeks at premium rates. FF Dispatch tracks turnaround schedules from ExxonMobil, Dow, BASF, and other major operators to position carriers in advance.
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 Louisiana
- ✓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 Louisiana & 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 Louisiana
How does the petrochemical corridor create flatbed demand?
The Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans corridor contains hundreds of refineries and chemical plants requiring constant equipment movement — pipe, vessels, structural steel, and machinery. Rates average $3.30-$3.80/mile. Plant turnarounds (scheduled maintenance) create 2-4 week surges paying premium rates.
How does oil price affect Louisiana flatbed?
When crude oil is above $70/barrel, Louisiana industrial activity runs strong. Below $50, some projects slow. However, plant maintenance continues regardless of price, and petrochemical plants (which process oil, not drill it) are less price-sensitive. Louisiana flatbed is more stable than pure oil-field markets.
Do I need special certifications for industrial plant deliveries?
Many Louisiana industrial plants require safety orientation (DISA, ISN, or plant-specific) before entering the facility. Some require 4-hour Basic Plus courses. TWIC card is needed for port-adjacent facilities. Confirm requirements before accepting loads — unpaid safety training can eat into your earnings. FF Dispatch verifies requirements upfront.
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 Louisiana Today
Join Louisiana carriers earning $3.25/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.