Dry Van Dispatch in Maryland
Maryland is a compact but lucrative freight market centered on the Port of Baltimore and proximity to Washington DC. The Northeast Corridor (I-95) passes directly through the state, creating one of the densest dry van freight markets in America with premium short-haul rates.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Maryland
The Port of Baltimore is the #1 auto import port in the US, processing 800,000+ vehicles annually and generating massive container freight. Maryland sits on the I-95 corridor between New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC — the densest consumer market in America. Government freight from DC keeps demand steady. Amazon, Under Armour (Baltimore HQ), and McCormick operate distribution centers in the state. Short distances between major cities create premium per-mile rates.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Maryland
Northeast Corridor via I-95 moving port freight and consumer goods. 100 miles at premium rates of $4.00-$5.50/mile.
I-95 corridor hauling port freight, auto imports, and consumer goods. 190 miles at $3.50-$4.50/mile.
Capital corridor carrying government supplies and consumer goods. 40 miles at high-frequency premium rates.
I-70 corridor moving port freight and manufactured goods. 250 miles with consistent industrial demand.
Maryland freight peaks September through November with port import season and holiday retail distribution. Government freight surges at fiscal year end (September 30). Auto imports through Baltimore are consistent year-round with spring and fall peaks. Crab season (April-November) creates unique reefer-capable dry van demand. Winter is mild with steady I-95 corridor traffic.
Dry Van Freight in Maryland
Baltimore-to-Philly and Baltimore-to-NYC are among the highest-paying short-haul dry van lanes on the East Coast. Run 2-3 round trips daily between these cities for maximum weekly earnings.
Dry Van Rates in Maryland
Maryland tolls are expensive — trucks pay $20-$35 for I-95 toll facilities. E-ZPass saves 20%. The DC metro area restricts trucks on many roads, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (I-295) bans commercial vehicles entirely. Always use truck-specific GPS routing. FF Dispatch knows the legal truck routes and factors toll costs into every rate.
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 Maryland
- ✓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 Maryland & 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 Maryland
Why is the Port of Baltimore important for dry van?
Baltimore is the #1 auto import port in the US processing 800,000+ vehicles annually. Beyond autos, it handles containers, farm equipment, sugar, and bulk commodities. Drayage pays $250-$400/container. Long-haul loads from port average $2.90-$3.40/mile.
How expensive are Maryland tolls for trucks?
Maryland toll facilities (I-95, Harbor Tunnel, Bay Bridge) charge trucks $20-$35 per crossing. E-ZPass saves 20%. Annual toll costs for regular Maryland carriers average $3,000-$6,000. FF Dispatch factors tolls into every rate negotiation so you don't lose money.
What truck restrictions exist in the DC metro area?
Many Maryland roads near DC ban commercial vehicles. The Baltimore-Washington Parkway (I-295) prohibits trucks entirely. Use I-95 and I-495 (Capital Beltway) as designated truck routes. GPS must use truck-specific routing — standard GPS sends trucks onto restricted roads with $500+ fines.
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 Maryland Today
Join Maryland carriers earning $2.90/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.