Flatbed freight, minus the phone calls.

Flatbed rates typically run $2.50–$4.50 per loaded mile in normal conditions, compared with $1.80–$3.00 for dry van. Open-deck equipment, securement time, tarps, and specialized handling create the premium. Short lanes often price at a minimum rather than a simple CPM. Fuel, tarp fees, and detention can sit on top of linehaul.

Lumber almost always needs a tarp, while finished steel commonly ships covered to prevent oxidation. Raw beams and rebar may travel bare. Machinery depends on finish and customer expectations. Put the requirement on the BOL and confirm the carrier has the right tarp; a $150–$450 fee is cheaper than moisture damage.

Most routes use 8 feet 6 inches wide and 13 feet 6 inches tall from pavement to the highest point. A standard deck is roughly 48–54 inches high, leaving about 8 feet of legal load height. Anything beyond the limits can require permits, restricted travel hours, and pilot cars.

The shipper generally loads the freight, while the driver is ultimately responsible for verifying securement before moving. Confirm who supplies dunnage, edge protection, chains, racks, and labor in the carrier agreement and BOL. Coil and steel moves need especially explicit instructions.

Disclose it in the posting. The shipper may arrange a mobile crane, rental forklift, or unload crew; some carriers can bring specialized equipment. A surprise at pickup is a common source of detention and missed appointments, so include ground conditions, lifting points, and available labor.

Distance drives transit for both, but crane or forklift setup, securement, and tarp application can add one to three hours at origin. On long runs, wind and load height can lower average speeds. Add a half-day buffer to a van estimate when the load requires a crane or careful jobsite delivery.