Flatbed Dispatch in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's flatbed market thrives on steel from Pittsburgh mills, construction materials for ongoing development, and manufacturing equipment from the state's industrial base. Pittsburgh is the eastern anchor of the Steel Belt.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh was built on steel and the industry remains strong — US Steel and numerous specialty steel producers operate here. The state's massive infrastructure needs (Pennsylvania has more structurally deficient bridges than any state) create ongoing repair and construction freight. Philadelphia-area development adds building materials demand.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Pennsylvania
Steel corridor hauling coils, beams, and manufactured steel via I-76. 130 miles at $3.80-$4.80/mile.
Steel and manufacturing equipment heading west. 460 miles at $3.00-$3.40/mile.
Construction materials and heavy equipment via I-95. 95 miles at $4.00-$5.00/mile short-haul.
Construction and government materials via I-83/I-95. 120 miles with consistent demand.
Pennsylvania flatbed peaks March through November with construction and infrastructure projects. Steel hauling from Pittsburgh mills runs year-round. Winter (December-February) slows outdoor work but Allegheny mountain weather also thins competition, keeping rates decent for carriers who run. Infrastructure repair projects often continue through mild winters.
Flatbed Freight in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has the most structurally deficient bridges in America — which means ongoing bridge repair contracts generating well-paying flatbed loads of steel beams and construction materials.
Flatbed Rates in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has the most structurally deficient bridges in America — which means ongoing bridge repair contracts that generate flatbed loads of steel beams, concrete barriers, and construction equipment. These government contract loads pay well and run year-round. FF Dispatch has connections to infrastructure freight brokers.
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 Pennsylvania
- ✓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 Pennsylvania & 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 Pennsylvania
Is Pittsburgh still a steel town for trucking?
Absolutely. US Steel and specialty steel producers still operate significant mills in the Pittsburgh area. Daily flatbed loads of coils, beams, and sheet steel ship from Pittsburgh to fabricators and construction sites throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The Pittsburgh-Cleveland steel corridor is among the best-paying flatbed lanes in America.
How do bridge repair projects create flatbed freight?
Pennsylvania has more deficient bridges than any state, requiring billions in repair spending. Steel beams, concrete barriers, heavy equipment, and construction materials all move on flatbeds. These government-funded projects run year-round and pay competitive rates.
What about winter flatbed in Pennsylvania?
Winter slows outdoor construction but doesn't stop it. I-80 and I-76 mountain passes can be treacherous — carry chains. Premium rates apply for winter-capable flatbed carriers. Steel and manufacturing equipment loads continue regardless of weather.
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 Pennsylvania Today
Join Pennsylvania carriers earning $3.30/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.