Flatbed Dispatch in Minnesota
Minnesota flatbed freight is driven by iron ore from the Iron Range, agricultural equipment, and strong construction demand during the building season. The state's manufacturing sector and infrastructure investments provide consistent flatbed opportunities beyond seasonal peaks.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Minnesota
The Iron Range in northern Minnesota produces iron ore that feeds Great Lakes steel mills — one of the most consistent flatbed freight sources in the region. Minneapolis is a hub for agricultural equipment distribution serving the Upper Midwest farm belt. Construction season (May-October) drives massive demand for building materials. Wind energy installations across southern Minnesota add oversized load opportunities. 3M and other manufacturers ship industrial equipment and materials.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Minnesota
Iron ore products and mining equipment via I-35/I-94. 470 miles with consistent demand from Great Lakes steel industry.
Agricultural equipment and building materials via I-94. 235 miles with seasonal peaks during spring planting and fall harvest.
Construction materials and manufacturing freight via I-35. 245 miles with balanced freight flow year-round.
Medical equipment and manufactured goods via I-90/I-94. 300 miles with premium rates for specialized loads from Mayo Clinic area.
Minnesota flatbed peaks May through October during construction season. Agricultural equipment moves heavily in spring (planting) and fall (harvest). Iron ore and mining freight runs year-round. Wind turbine installations peak in spring and fall. Winter is challenging — flatbed volumes drop significantly November through March, but carriers who run earn premium rates.
Flatbed Freight in Minnesota
Iron Range loads from Duluth and Hibbing pay well but require navigating rural northern roads — make sure your equipment can handle gravel mining roads and your GPS has truck-specific routing for the Iron Range.
Flatbed Rates in Minnesota
The Iron Range — stretching from Duluth through Virginia, Hibbing, and Eveleth — has been shipping iron ore for over a century. Mining companies are loyal to reliable carriers. FF Dispatch has long-standing relationships with Iron Range shippers that provide consistent loads even when the spot market is soft.
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 Minnesota
- ✓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 Minnesota & 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 Minnesota
What is Iron Range freight like?
The Iron Range in northern Minnesota produces iron ore pellets, mining equipment, and steel products. Loads head primarily to Great Lakes ports and Chicago-area steel mills. Rates average $3.20-$3.80/mile. The freight is consistent year-round but road conditions in winter require experienced cold-weather operators.
Is agricultural equipment freight seasonal?
Peak agricultural equipment moves happen in spring (March-May) for planting season and fall (September-November) for harvest. These loads pay $3.30-$4.00/mile for oversized combines, tractors, and implements. Off-season, parts and smaller equipment still move but at lower volumes.
How does winter affect Minnesota flatbed?
Winter (November-March) significantly reduces flatbed volume as construction stops and road conditions deteriorate. However, mining freight continues and carriers willing to operate in extreme cold earn 15-20% premium rates. Essential equipment moves and emergency loads also pay well during winter months.
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 Minnesota Today
Join Minnesota carriers earning $3.20/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.