Flatbed Dispatch in New Hampshire
New Hampshire flatbed demand is driven by construction in the growing southern corridor, granite quarrying (the Granite State lives up to its name), and lumber from northern forests. Premium Northeast rates make NH flatbed profitable despite modest volumes.
Why Flatbed Thrives in New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire is booming with residential and commercial construction as Boston-area growth spills north. The state's granite quarries produce dimension stone, countertops, and building materials shipped on flatbed. Northern NH forests produce lumber, and the paper mill legacy creates some industrial equipment loads. BAE Systems in Nashua generates defense manufacturing freight.
Top Flatbed Lanes in New Hampshire
Construction materials and manufactured equipment via I-93. 55 miles at $5.00-$7.00/mile ultra-premium short-haul rates.
Building materials and manufactured goods via regional routes. 110 miles at $3.80-$4.50/mile.
Granite, lumber, and construction materials heading north. 100 miles with balanced freight flow.
Lumber and forest products from northern NH mills. 160 miles at $3.20-$3.80/mile.
New Hampshire flatbed peaks March through November with construction season. Granite quarrying runs year-round when weather permits. Northern lumber production is strongest spring through fall. Winter slows outdoor construction but ski resort development and indoor projects continue. BAE Systems defense freight is consistent year-round.
Flatbed Freight in New Hampshire
New Hampshire granite loads are heavy and dense — countertops and dimension stone often max out weight limits before you fill the trailer. Make sure your weight distribution is legal before leaving the quarry.
Flatbed Rates in New Hampshire
The "Granite State" nickname is not just marketing — NH has active granite quarries in Barre-area towns and throughout the White Mountains region. Dimension granite, countertops, and monument stone ship by flatbed to construction sites and stone yards across New England. These loads are heavy, short-haul, and pay well. FF Dispatch connects carriers with quarry operators for consistent loads.
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 New Hampshire
- ✓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 New Hampshire & 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 New Hampshire
What granite freight comes from New Hampshire?
NH quarries produce dimension granite for buildings, countertops, monuments, and landscaping stone. Loads are heavy and dense — often maxing out weight before filling the trailer. Granite ships to stone fabricators and construction sites across New England. Rates are premium for short-haul heavy loads.
Is New Hampshire flatbed profitable year-round?
Southern NH construction runs March through November with occasional winter work. BAE Systems defense freight is year-round. Granite quarrying is mostly April through November. Northern lumber is spring through fall. Winter volumes drop but premium rates for available carriers and consistent defense freight keep earnings steady. FF Dispatch balances seasonal and year-round loads.
What defense freight comes from New Hampshire?
BAE Systems in Nashua manufactures electronic warfare systems and defense electronics. Equipment ships by flatbed to military installations and defense contractors. Defense loads pay 15-20% above standard rates and provide year-round consistency. Security protocols may apply. FF Dispatch handles defense freight requirements.
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 New Hampshire Today
Join New Hampshire carriers earning $3.15/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.