Flatbed Dispatch in North Dakota
North Dakota flatbed is dominated by Bakken oil field equipment when energy prices are strong, plus agricultural machinery during harvest and construction materials during the short building season. Premium rates compensate for extreme conditions.
Why Flatbed Thrives in North Dakota
The Bakken oil field in western ND is one of the most productive in the US — when crude prices are above $60/barrel, flatbed demand for drilling equipment, pipe, and frac sand surges dramatically. Agricultural equipment moves during spring planting and fall harvest. Infrastructure spending on roads and bridges adds government contract freight. Few flatbed carriers are willing to run the northern tier, creating premium rates.
Top Flatbed Lanes in North Dakota
Oil field equipment and pipe from Bakken staging areas. 300 miles at $3.50-$4.50/mile with consistent energy demand.
Agricultural equipment, steel, and manufactured goods. 240 miles at $3.20-$3.80/mile with year-round demand.
Oil field equipment heading to Colorado energy markets. 720 miles at $3.10-$3.60/mile with Bakken premium.
Construction materials and agricultural equipment heading south. 230 miles at $3.30-$3.80/mile for regional runs.
Bakken flatbed demand follows crude prices and peaks when oil is above $70/barrel. Agricultural equipment moves March-May (planting) and August-October (harvest). Construction peaks June through September during the short building season. Winter flatbed is slow but available carriers earn 25-35% premium rates for emergency loads and energy maintenance equipment.
Flatbed Freight in North Dakota
Bakken oil field roads in western ND are unpaved and rutted — make sure your tires and suspension can handle 20-30 miles of rough lease roads. Ask the site foreman about road conditions before heading in.
Flatbed Rates in North Dakota
The Williston truck stop is the staging area for Bakken flatbed loads — carriers check in there for dispatch to drilling sites. Load securement is critical on rough oil field roads: double your normal tiedown count because vibration loosens straps. FF Dispatch knows which Bakken sites have the worst roads and adds securement time to those appointments.
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 North Dakota
- ✓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 North Dakota & 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 North Dakota
How lucrative is Bakken oil field flatbed?
When crude is above $70/barrel, Bakken flatbed loads pay $3.50-$4.50/mile and volume is strong. Equipment, pipe, frac sand, and drilling supplies move constantly. Even during price downturns, maintenance and well servicing provide baseload. FF Dispatch monitors oil prices and positions carriers for Bakken surges.
Do I need special equipment for ND flatbed?
Standard flatbed works for most loads. Coil racks help for steel pipe. Chains and binders are essential — straps alone are not enough for heavy oil field equipment. Cold-weather equipment (winter diesel, block heaters, heated airline connections) is mandatory November through March.
Is ND flatbed available year-round?
Volume drops significantly November through February. However, carriers who run winter earn 25-35% premium rates for emergency equipment moves, pipeline maintenance, and energy infrastructure. Spring through fall is the primary season. FF Dispatch books year-round but adjusts expectations for winter.
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 North Dakota Today
Join North Dakota carriers earning $3.30/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.