Flatbed Dispatch in Texas
Texas flatbed freight is dominated by oil and gas equipment, construction materials, and heavy machinery. The Permian Basin alone generates enough flatbed demand to keep operators busy year-round, and Houston is the energy capital of the world.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Texas
Texas leads the nation in oil and gas production, construction spending, and infrastructure investment. The Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and Houston energy corridor create massive demand for pipe, equipment, and machinery transport. Dallas-Fort Worth construction boom adds building materials freight. Wind energy installations across West Texas provide oversized load opportunities.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Texas
Oil field equipment and pipe to the Permian Basin. 500 miles averaging $3.40-$4.00/mile with consistent demand from energy companies.
Construction materials and steel for Houston development. 240 miles at $3.20-$3.80/mile with quick turnaround.
Petrochemical equipment and industrial materials via I-10. 350 miles with strong energy sector demand.
Building materials and wind energy components heading west. 550 miles with growing demand from renewable energy projects.
Texas flatbed stays strong year-round thanks to oil and gas operations. Construction peaks March through November. Wind energy installations peak in spring and fall when weather is moderate. The slowest period is late December through mid-January during holiday shutdowns, but even then, Permian Basin demand keeps rates above national averages.
Flatbed Freight in Texas
Permian Basin loads often require 6am pickup appointments with same-day delivery to drilling sites — make sure your tires and suspension can handle off-highway oil field roads.
Flatbed Rates in Texas
Permian Basin loads often require 6am pickup appointments and pay premium rates for same-day delivery to drilling sites. The catch is that many sites are off-highway on rough oil field roads — make sure your tires and suspension are in good shape. FF Dispatch knows which sites are paved and which are rough.
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 Texas
- ✓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 Texas & 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 Texas
Do I need special equipment for Texas oil field loads?
Standard flatbed equipment works for most loads. Coil racks are a plus for steel pipe. Some oversized equipment requires step deck or RGN. Tarps are less common for oil field freight — most loads are untarped machinery and pipe. Chains and binders are essential.
How does oil price affect Texas flatbed rates?
When oil is above $60/barrel, Permian Basin activity is strong and flatbed rates are premium. Below $50, some drilling slows but maintenance and infrastructure work continues. Texas flatbed is more diversified than pure oil field — construction and wind energy provide stability.
Is flatbed work in Texas available year-round?
Yes. Unlike northern states where construction stops in winter, Texas builds year-round. Oil field operations are 24/7/365. The only slowdown is the Christmas-New Year holiday week. FF Dispatch keeps our flatbed carriers running 50+ weeks per year in Texas.
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 Texas Today
Join Texas carriers earning $3.40/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.