Flatbed Dispatch in Vermont
Vermont flatbed freight centers on granite and marble quarrying, lumber from managed forests, and construction materials for the state's renovation and infrastructure projects. The niche nature of Vermont flatbed keeps competition low and rates high.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Vermont
Vermont is famous for its granite (Barre is the "Granite Capital of the World") and marble quarries, generating heavy flatbed loads of dimension stone heading to construction projects nationwide. The state's managed forests produce lumber and timber. Construction and renovation — Vermont has strict building preservation codes that require specialized materials — add flatbed demand. Rural nature means limited carrier competition.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Vermont
Vermont granite blocks and finished stone products. 185 miles at $3.50-$4.50/mile for heavy loads requiring specialized securement.
Lumber and construction materials heading to Canadian markets. 95 miles with cross-border premiums.
Marble, slate, and building materials heading to New York markets. 90 miles at $4.00-$5.50/mile for premium short-haul stone loads.
Lumber and construction materials heading south. 180 miles at $3.30-$4.00/mile with steady demand.
Granite and marble quarrying operates year-round but peaks March through November when construction demand is highest. Lumber moves primarily May through October when logging roads are accessible. Construction season runs April through November. Winter flatbed is slow but quarry loads provide baseload for carriers with winter-capable equipment.
Flatbed Freight in Vermont
Granite loads from Barre quarries are extremely heavy — a single block can weigh 40,000+ lbs. Know your axle weights and have the right securement (chains, not straps) before accepting stone loads.
Flatbed Rates in Vermont
Barre granite quarries have been operating for over 200 years — they have specific loading procedures and securement requirements that differ from standard flatbed freight. Granite blocks require chain securement (straps can cut on sharp edges) and weight distribution is critical. FF Dispatch provides granite-specific loading instructions for every quarry load.
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 Vermont
- ✓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 Vermont & 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 Vermont
What is Barre granite freight?
Barre, VT produces some of the highest-quality granite in the world — used for monuments, countertops, and building facades. Raw blocks weigh 20,000-50,000 lbs and require flatbed with chain securement. Finished products are lighter but require careful padding. Granite loads pay premium rates ($3.50-$4.50/mile) due to weight and handling requirements.
Do I need special equipment for Vermont flatbed?
Standard flatbed works for lumber and construction materials. Stone loads (granite, marble, slate) require heavy-duty chains, corner protectors, and dunnage. Your trailer must handle concentrated loads — granite blocks create point loads that can damage deck planks. Coil racks are not needed but heavy-haul equipment is a plus for oversized stone.
Are Vermont mountain roads manageable with a loaded flatbed?
Main routes (I-89, I-91, US-7) are manageable. Secondary roads have steep grades, tight turns, and low clearances that challenge loaded flatbeds. Many quarries are on mountain roads with limited turnaround space. Know your route before heading in. FF Dispatch provides route surveys for quarry loads with specific clearance and grade information.
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 Vermont Today
Join Vermont carriers earning $3.35/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.