Flatbed & Step Deck Dispatch
Oversized freight expertise. Permits, securement, and premium rates.
Flatbed and Step Deck Dispatching
Flatbed and step deck trailers haul oversized, overweight, and irregularly shaped freight that won't fit in a dry van — steel, lumber, machinery, construction materials, and industrial equipment. These loads command premium rates but require specialized knowledge.
NexPick's flatbed dispatchers understand load securement regulations (FMCSA Part 393), permit requirements for oversized loads, and the best-paying lanes for flatbed freight. We handle the complexity so you earn top dollar.
Premium rates for specialized freight, consistent demand in construction and industrial sectors, ability to haul unique loads, and higher earning potential with the right expertise.
Choose Your Equipment Type
Flatbed Dispatching
Flatbed trailers are 48-53 feet long with no sides or roof, making them perfect for oversized, tall, or wide loads. They're commonly used for construction equipment, steel coils, lumber, machinery, and industrial materials.
NexPick knows flatbed freight pays more when the details are handled right — from tarping and securement to permits for oversized loads. We book the freight other dispatchers avoid, negotiate rates that reflect the extra work, and keep your trailer earning mile after mile.
Step Deck Dispatching
Step deck (or drop deck) trailers have two levels — a lower deck that sits closer to the ground and an upper deck. This design allows you to haul taller loads while staying within height restrictions.
Our dispatchers specialize in drop-deck freight — from heavy equipment to tall machinery that standard flatbeds can't legally haul. We target niche loads with less competition, negotiate premium rates for the specialized work, and keep your step deck booked with profitable freight week after week.
Types of Freight We Haul
Construction
Excavators, bulldozers, cranes
Steel & Metal
Coils, beams, pipes, rebar
Lumber
Packages, logs, building materials
Machinery
Industrial equipment, tractors
Vehicles
Cars, trucks, buses, RVs
Oversized
Wind turbine blades, modules
Why Flatbed Dispatch Requires Expertise
- Load securement regulations (FMCSA Part 393) must be followed precisely
- Oversized loads require permits in every state you travel through
- Proper tarping protects freight and prevents costly damage claims
- Route planning must account for bridge heights, weight restrictions, and road limitations
- Chain and binder requirements vary by load type and weight
- Permit escorts may be required for superloads and oversized freight
Flatbed Rates
Average: $3.00-$4.50+ per mile depending on freight type, securement requirements, and lane. Specialized loads can pay even more.
Step Deck Rates
Average: $3.00-$4.00+ per mile with equipment hauls and specialized freight commanding premium rates.
How NexPick Maximizes Your Revenue
Permit Management
We handle all oversized load permits, ensuring you're legal in every state. No more worrying about permit violations or route restrictions.
Premium Lanes
We target high-paying flatbed lanes like Texas oil fields, Midwest construction, and Southeast manufacturing corridors.
Load Securement
Our dispatchers understand proper tarping, chaining, and binding requirements to keep you compliant and safe.
Broker Relationships
We work with brokers who specialize in flatbed freight and pay top dollar for quality carriers.
Route Planning
We plan routes that account for bridge heights, weight stations, and road restrictions specific to oversized loads.
Accessorial Pay
We negotiate tarping fees, stop-offs, detention pay, and other accessorials to maximize your revenue.
Flatbed & Step Deck FAQ
Flatbed trailers have a single deck level (typically 60 inches off the ground) and can haul loads up to 8.5 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall. Step deck trailers have two levels — a lower deck (about 24-36 inches off the ground) and an upper deck — allowing you to haul taller loads (up to 10 feet) while staying within legal height limits.
You need a standard CDL with no special endorsements for most flatbed loads. However, if you're hauling loads over 80,000 lbs GVWR or oversized loads requiring permits, you may need additional certifications. We help you navigate these requirements.
Typically the shipper or broker pays for permits, but this should be negotiated upfront. We ensure permit costs are covered in your rate and that you have all necessary documentation before pickup. Never pay for permits out of pocket without reimbursement.
Tarping fees typically range from $100-$500+ depending on the number of tarps required, load type, and complexity. Steel coils and lumber usually require multiple tarps. We negotiate tarping fees separately from the base rate to ensure you're compensated for this additional work.
Top-paying flatbed lanes include: Texas to North Dakota (oil field equipment), Midwest to Southeast (construction materials), California to Nevada (building supplies), and Gulf Coast regions (industrial equipment). We track market data to position you in the most profitable lanes.
Our dispatchers are trained in FMCSA Part 393 securement regulations. We ensure you have the right number of chains, binders, and tarps for each load. We also verify that the shipper provides adequate securement points and that you're not held liable for improper loading.
Flatbed & Step Deck Dispatch
Oversized freight expertise. Permits, securement, and premium rates.
Flatbed and Step Deck Dispatching
Flatbed and step deck trailers haul oversized, overweight, and irregularly shaped freight that won't fit in a dry van — steel, lumber, machinery, construction materials, and industrial equipment. These loads command premium rates but require specialized knowledge.
NexPick's flatbed dispatchers understand load securement regulations (FMCSA Part 393), permit requirements for oversized loads, and the best-paying lanes for flatbed freight. We handle the complexity so you earn top dollar.
Premium rates for specialized freight, consistent demand in construction and industrial sectors, ability to haul unique loads, and higher earning potential with the right expertise.
Choose Your Equipment Type
Flatbed Dispatching
Flatbed trailers are 48-53 feet long with no sides or roof, making them perfect for oversized, tall, or wide loads. They're commonly used for construction equipment, steel coils, lumber, machinery, and industrial materials.
NexPick knows flatbed freight pays more when the details are handled right — from tarping and securement to permits for oversized loads. We book the freight other dispatchers avoid, negotiate rates that reflect the extra work, and keep your trailer earning mile after mile.
Step Deck Dispatching
Step deck (or drop deck) trailers have two levels — a lower deck that sits closer to the ground and an upper deck. This design allows you to haul taller loads while staying within height restrictions.
Our dispatchers specialize in drop-deck freight — from heavy equipment to tall machinery that standard flatbeds can't legally haul. We target niche loads with less competition, negotiate premium rates for the specialized work, and keep your step deck booked with profitable freight week after week.
Types of Freight We Haul
Construction
Excavators, bulldozers, cranes
Steel & Metal
Coils, beams, pipes, rebar
Lumber
Packages, logs, building materials
Machinery
Industrial equipment, tractors
Vehicles
Cars, trucks, buses, RVs
Oversized
Wind turbine blades, modules
Why Flatbed Dispatch Requires Expertise
- Load securement regulations (FMCSA Part 393) must be followed precisely
- Oversized loads require permits in every state you travel through
- Proper tarping protects freight and prevents costly damage claims
- Route planning must account for bridge heights, weight restrictions, and road limitations
- Chain and binder requirements vary by load type and weight
- Permit escorts may be required for superloads and oversized freight
Flatbed Rates
Average: $3.00-$4.50+ per mile depending on freight type, securement requirements, and lane. Specialized loads can pay even more.
Step Deck Rates
Average: $3.00-$4.00+ per mile with equipment hauls and specialized freight commanding premium rates.
How NexPick Maximizes Your Revenue
Permit Management
We handle all oversized load permits, ensuring you're legal in every state. No more worrying about permit violations or route restrictions.
Premium Lanes
We target high-paying flatbed lanes like Texas oil fields, Midwest construction, and Southeast manufacturing corridors.
Load Securement
Our dispatchers understand proper tarping, chaining, and binding requirements to keep you compliant and safe.
Broker Relationships
We work with brokers who specialize in flatbed freight and pay top dollar for quality carriers.
Route Planning
We plan routes that account for bridge heights, weight stations, and road restrictions specific to oversized loads.
Accessorial Pay
We negotiate tarping fees, stop-offs, detention pay, and other accessorials to maximize your revenue.
Flatbed & Step Deck FAQ
Flatbed trailers have a single deck level (typically 60 inches off the ground) and can haul loads up to 8.5 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall. Step deck trailers have two levels — a lower deck (about 24-36 inches off the ground) and an upper deck — allowing you to haul taller loads (up to 10 feet) while staying within legal height limits.
You need a standard CDL with no special endorsements for most flatbed loads. However, if you're hauling loads over 80,000 lbs GVWR or oversized loads requiring permits, you may need additional certifications. We help you navigate these requirements.
Typically the shipper or broker pays for permits, but this should be negotiated upfront. We ensure permit costs are covered in your rate and that you have all necessary documentation before pickup. Never pay for permits out of pocket without reimbursement.
Tarping fees typically range from $100-$500+ depending on the number of tarps required, load type, and complexity. Steel coils and lumber usually require multiple tarps. We negotiate tarping fees separately from the base rate to ensure you're compensated for this additional work.
Top-paying flatbed lanes include: Texas to North Dakota (oil field equipment), Midwest to Southeast (construction materials), California to Nevada (building supplies), and Gulf Coast regions (industrial equipment). We track market data to position you in the most profitable lanes.
Our dispatchers are trained in FMCSA Part 393 securement regulations. We ensure you have the right number of chains, binders, and tarps for each load. We also verify that the shipper provides adequate securement points and that you're not held liable for improper loading.