Flatbed Dispatch in Montana
Montana flatbed is driven by energy equipment for the Bakken oil field, lumber from vast national forests, and agricultural equipment for the state's ranching and farming operations. The state allows trucks up to 137,800 lbs on certain routes — among the highest weight limits in America.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Montana
Eastern Montana is part of the Bakken oil field, creating demand for pipe, drilling equipment, and heavy machinery. Montana's national forests produce lumber from mills across the western part of the state. Agricultural equipment for vast wheat and cattle operations ships regularly. The state's 137,800 lb weight allowance on designated routes is a major advantage for heavy flatbed loads.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Montana
Oil field equipment heading to Bakken drilling sites. 325 miles at $3.40-$4.00/mile with consistent energy demand.
Lumber and forest products from western Montana mills. 200 miles at $3.10-$3.60/mile with daily volume.
Agricultural equipment and energy materials heading south. 575 miles at $3.10-$3.50/mile.
Lumber and agricultural equipment heading to West Coast. 600 miles at $3.00-$3.50/mile.
Montana flatbed peaks May through October with construction, lumber, and agricultural equipment season. Bakken oil field activity is year-round when crude prices are strong. Winter brings pass closures on I-90 but creates premium rates (25-40% above normal) for carriers who can handle mountain conditions. Lumber mills in western Montana operate year-round with reduced winter shifts.
Flatbed Freight in Montana
Montana allows 137,800 lbs on designated heavy haul routes — take advantage of this for lumber, steel, and equipment loads that would require multiple trips in other states. Permits cost $25-$200.
Flatbed Rates in Montana
The Bakken oil field stretches from eastern Montana into North Dakota. When oil prices spike above $70/barrel, flatbed demand for pipe and drilling equipment surges dramatically. FF Dispatch monitors oil market conditions and positions flatbed carriers in Billings to capture these high-paying loads before they hit the spot market.
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 Montana
- ✓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 Montana & 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 Montana
How does the Bakken oil field affect Montana flatbed?
When crude oil is above $60/barrel, Bakken activity drives strong demand for pipe, drilling rigs, pumping equipment, and heavy machinery. Flatbed rates to Williston-area drill sites reach $3.40-$4.00/mile. When oil drops below $50, activity slows but maintenance loads continue. FF Dispatch tracks oil markets and positions carriers for surges.
What lumber freight comes from Montana?
Western Montana forests produce millions of board feet of lumber annually. Mills in Missoula, Kalispell, and Libby ship lumber, plywood, and timber products to West Coast and Mountain West markets. Flatbed rates average $3.00-$3.60/mile. The 137,800 lb weight allowance maximizes payload for heavy lumber bundles.
Does Montana allow heavier truck weights?
Yes — Montana allows up to 137,800 lbs on designated routes, among the highest in the US. This is a significant advantage for heavy flatbed loads like lumber bundles, steel, and equipment. Permits range from $25-$200. Standard routes remain 80,000 lbs. FF Dispatch knows the approved heavy routes across Montana.
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 Montana Today
Join Montana carriers earning $3.25/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.