Dry Van Dispatch in New Hampshire
New Hampshire benefits from its proximity to Boston — just 45-55 miles from southern NH cities to downtown — while offering zero sales tax and lower operating costs. The state has become a distribution hub for companies wanting Boston market access without Massachusetts expenses.

Why Dry Van Thrives in New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire (Manchester, Nashua) is essentially part of the Boston metro area for freight purposes. Distribution centers have moved to NH to avoid Massachusetts taxes and congestion while maintaining Boston market access. No sales tax saves carriers $1,500-$3,000/year on fuel and supplies. Cross-border freight to Montreal adds premium international loads. The state serves as a gateway between Boston and northern New England.
Top Dry Van Lanes in New Hampshire
Distribution freight and consumer goods via I-93. 55 miles at $5.00-$7.00/mile — ultra-premium short-haul rates.
Consumer goods and tech equipment via US-3/I-93. 45 miles at premium short-haul rates with daily frequency.
Consumer goods and manufactured products via regional routes. 100 miles with balanced freight flow.
Cross-border freight via I-93. 230 miles at premium international rates of $3.20-$3.80/mile.
New Hampshire dry van is steady year-round due to Boston metro proximity. Holiday distribution surges September through November. Fall foliage tourism (September-October) creates unique supply freight to resort areas. Winter ski season drives supply runs to resort communities at premium rates. Spring and summer see construction materials and outdoor recreation freight.
Dry Van Freight in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's zero sales tax saves carriers $1,500-$3,000/year — schedule fuel stops, tire purchases, and parts buys for NH stops on every run through the state.
Dry Van Rates in New Hampshire
Southern NH has quietly become a distribution hub — companies like Sig Sauer, DEKA Research, and numerous tech firms operate in Manchester and Nashua specifically because of tax advantages and Boston proximity. These companies ship daily. FF Dispatch books from NH distribution centers and pairs loads with Boston-area deliveries for maximum efficiency.
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 New Hampshire
- ✓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 New Hampshire & 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 New Hampshire
Why are New Hampshire short-haul rates so high?
Manchester-to-Boston (55 miles) and Nashua-to-Boston (45 miles) pay $5.00-$7.00/mile because of dense freight demand, limited carrier availability, and premium Northeast corridor rates. Multiple trips per day are possible. These are among the highest per-mile dry van rates in the country.
How does New Hampshire's no sales tax help truckers?
NH charges zero sales tax on all purchases — fuel, tires, parts, and supplies. This saves carriers $1,500-$3,000/year. Many carriers register businesses in NH and schedule major purchases for NH stops. Combined with lower property costs than Massachusetts, NH is an excellent Northeast operating base.
What cross-border freight exists from New Hampshire?
I-93 connects Manchester to Montreal (230 miles). Cross-border loads pay 15-25% premiums. You need FAST cards, passports, and customs bonds. Consumer goods, manufactured products, and tech equipment are primary commodities. FF Dispatch handles cross-border documentation and customs coordination.
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 New Hampshire Today
Join New Hampshire carriers earning $3.00/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.