Dry Van Dispatch in Michigan
Michigan is the heart of American automotive manufacturing, and that industrial base drives massive dry van volumes. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing generate consistent freight from Big Three automakers, tier-one suppliers, and a growing e-commerce distribution sector.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Michigan
Michigan's automotive industry generates more dry van freight than any other manufacturing sector in the state. GM, Ford, and Stellantis plants plus hundreds of tier-one suppliers create constant demand for parts, components, and finished goods movement. Grand Rapids is also a growing distribution hub with furniture, food, and consumer goods freight.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Michigan
Great Lakes corridor via I-94 hauling auto parts, consumer goods, and manufactured products. 280 miles at $3.00-$3.60/mile with high frequency from Big Three automakers.
Industrial corridor via I-80/I-90 moving auto components and manufacturing supplies. 170 miles with premium short-haul rates and constant volume.
Midwest connector carrying furniture, auto parts, and consumer goods. 260 miles via US-131/I-69 at $3.00-$3.50/mile.
Busiest US-Canada crossing via Ambassador Bridge/Gordie Howe Bridge. 230 miles with cross-border premium rates of $3.20-$3.80/mile.
Michigan dry van follows automotive production cycles. Peaks come March through June (spring ramp-up) and September through November (new model year launches). Winter brings Lake Effect snow challenges but spot rates increase 15-20%. Cherry and blueberry harvest (July-August) adds seasonal produce volume in western Michigan.
Dry Van Freight in Michigan
The Gordie Howe International Bridge offers faster processing than the Ambassador Bridge. Get a FAST card ($50/year) for cross-border loads — it cuts crossing time from 2+ hours to under 30 minutes.
Dry Van Rates in Michigan
Michigan allows trucks up to 164,000 lbs on designated routes — the highest weight limit in the US. While this mainly benefits heavy-haul, it means Michigan roads see more truck traffic overall, and distribution centers are built to handle high-volume operations. FF Dispatch knows which facilities have fast gate times.
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 Michigan
- ✓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 Michigan & 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 Michigan
How does automotive freight affect Michigan dry van rates?
Auto production cycles drive Michigan dry van demand. Spring ramp-up (March-June) and new model launches (September-November) are peak periods with rates 10-15% above baseline. Plant shutdowns in July and late December create brief dips. FF Dispatch tracks production schedules to position carriers during peak demand.
Is cross-border freight to Canada worth it?
Detroit-Toronto is the busiest US-Canada trade corridor. Cross-border dry van loads pay 15-25% premiums ($3.20-$3.80/mile). You need a FAST card ($50/year), valid passport, and customs bond. The new Gordie Howe Bridge offers faster processing. FF Dispatch handles customs documentation.
How bad is winter trucking in Michigan?
Lake Effect snow primarily impacts I-94 and I-96 in western Michigan. Northern routes (US-31, US-131) can be challenging December through March. However, carriers who run in winter earn 15-20% premium rates as supply drops. All-season tires, chains for secondary routes, and monitoring MDOT closures are essential.
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 Michigan Today
Join Michigan carriers earning $2.85/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.