Flatbed Dispatch in Wisconsin
Wisconsin flatbed freight centers on manufacturing, lumber, and construction materials. Oshkosh Corporation, paper mill equipment, and growing infrastructure investments create steady demand. The state's proximity to Chicago adds high-value short-haul opportunities.
Why Flatbed Thrives in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a manufacturing powerhouse — Oshkosh Corporation builds military vehicles and fire trucks, Caterpillar has major operations in the state, and hundreds of smaller manufacturers produce heavy equipment, machinery, and metal products. The paper industry requires heavy equipment transport for mill maintenance. Northern Wisconsin timber operations generate lumber and forest product loads. Construction season (May-October) drives building material demand across the state.
Top Flatbed Lanes in Wisconsin
Manufacturing equipment and steel via I-94. 90 miles at flatbed premium rates of $5.00-$7.00/mile for heavy and oversized loads.
Military vehicle components and heavy equipment via I-43/I-94. 400 miles with consistent demand from Oshkosh Corporation contracts.
Paper mill equipment and lumber via I-43/I-94. 300 miles with balanced freight flow between two manufacturing regions.
Lumber and building materials via US-51/I-65. 440 miles with seasonal construction demand peaks.
Wisconsin flatbed peaks May through October during construction season. Lumber demand from Northern Wisconsin is strongest spring through fall. Manufacturing freight runs year-round but can slow during holiday shutdowns (late December). Winter flatbed is challenging due to snow and ice, but reduced carrier supply pushes rates up 15-20% for carriers willing to run.
Flatbed Freight in Wisconsin
Oshkosh Corporation loads often require specialized securement for military vehicles — carriers with experience in vehicle transport and the right straps earn premium contract rates year-round.
Flatbed Rates in Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin lumber yards in Wausau, Rhinelander, and Marshfield ship primarily May through October when logging roads are accessible. These loads pay well because many carriers avoid rural Wisconsin routes. FF Dispatch knows which roads are truck-friendly and which to avoid during spring thaw.
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 Wisconsin
- ✓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 Wisconsin & 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 Wisconsin
What is Oshkosh Corporation freight like?
Oshkosh builds military trucks (JLTV, FMTV), fire trucks, and specialty vehicles. These loads require flatbed or step deck with specialized securement. Rates are premium at $3.50-$4.50/mile. Contracts are consistent year-round thanks to government defense spending.
Is lumber freight significant in Wisconsin?
Northern Wisconsin has active timber operations shipping lumber, logs, and wood products. Demand peaks May through October when logging roads are passable. Rates average $3.00-$3.40/mile heading south to construction markets. Spring thaw (March-April) temporarily restricts access to some rural roads.
How does winter affect Wisconsin flatbed operations?
Winter (November-March) reduces flatbed volume as construction slows. However, carriers who can operate safely in snow and cold earn 15-20% rate premiums due to reduced supply. Manufacturing and mill equipment loads continue year-round 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 Wisconsin Today
Join Wisconsin carriers earning $3.15/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.