What is the minimum charge for flatbed shipping?

Flatbed has a minimum charge of $700 regardless of distance. Very short hauls may seem expensive per-mile, but this minimum ensures carriers cover their fixed costs for equipment, driver time, and securement.

Why are flatbed rates higher than dry van?

Flatbed base rate is about $2.12/mile vs $1.96/mile for dry van - roughly 8% higher. This covers specialized equipment, driver training for load securement, weather exposure risk, and equipment wear (tarps, straps, chains).

How much do tarps cost?

Tarp fees range from $50-150 depending on type. Steel tarps are $75. Lumber tarps range from $75 (4') to $100 (6') to $150 (8'). If your freight doesn't require weather protection, shipping open saves this fee.

What about step deck rates?

Step deck trailers run about $2.35/mile base rate (vs $2.12 for flatbed) with an $800 minimum. The premium covers the specialized equipment needed for taller cargo. See our flatbed vs step deck comparison for details.

Cost Guide

Flatbed Trucking Rates Per Mile

Understanding flatbed freight pricing and market rates

Quick Answer: Typical Rates

Reference ranges based on current market conditions

Scenario	Low Range	High Range	Notes
Short haul (under 200 miles)	$2.59/mile	$3.00/mile	22-25% short-haul premium applies
Regional (200-500 miles)	$2.37/mile	$2.75/mile	12-18% short-haul premium
Mid-range (500-700 miles)	$2.27/mile	$2.50/mile	7-8% premium
Long haul (700+ miles)	$2.12/mile	$2.50/mile	Base rate, no premium

What Affects Your Cost?

Distance / Short-Haul Premium

High Impact

Shorter hauls cost more per mile due to fixed costs. Under 200 miles adds 22-25% premium. 200-500 miles adds 12-18%. 500-700 adds 7-8%. Over 700 miles gets base rates around $2.12/mile.

Lane Direction & Market Conditions

High Impact

Flatbed rates vary by direction — shipping into a construction-heavy market (headhaul) costs more than shipping outbound (backhaul). Construction season (spring/summer) tightens flatbed capacity nationally. Major industrial corridors between hubs like Houston, Chicago, and Atlanta typically have the best rates.

Load Characteristics

Medium Impact

Heavy loads, oversized freight, or cargo requiring special handling (multiple tie-downs, edge protection) may command premium rates. Standard building materials ship at lower rates.

Tarping Requirements

Medium Impact

Tarping adds $50-150 per load depending on type. Lumber tarps (4', 6', 8') range from $75-150. Steel tarps are $75. Some freight ships open (no tarp needed).

Extra Stops

Medium Impact

Additional pickup or delivery stops add fees: $175 for the first extra stop, $275 for second, $375 for third, $400 each beyond that.

Lead Time

Medium Impact

Last-minute bookings (same day or next day) often cost 15-30% more than shipments booked 3-5 days ahead. Hot shot/expedited flatbed is premium priced.

Example Pricing Scenarios

Steel coils, no tarp

40,000 lbs, Houston to Chicago (1,100 miles), standard flatbed

Estimated Cost:$2,500 - $3,000 (~$2.30-$2.70/mile)

Lumber, tarped

35,000 lbs, Portland to Los Angeles (1,000 miles), 6' lumber tarp

Estimated Cost:$2,400 - $2,800 + $100 tarp fee

Construction equipment

25,000 lbs, Dallas to Atlanta (800 miles), chains and binders

Estimated Cost:$1,900 - $2,300 (~$2.40-$2.90/mile)

Regional building materials

42,000 lbs, within California (300 miles), no tarp

Estimated Cost:$750 - $900 (~$2.50-$3.00/mile with short-haul premium)

Ways to Save Money

Book 3-5 days in advance when possible for better rates

Be flexible on pickup dates to access backhaul opportunities

Combine multiple pickups or deliveries when geography allows

Ship during off-peak seasons (winter) for lower rates

Provide accurate weight and dimensions to avoid rebilling

Make loading/unloading efficient to avoid detention charges

Consider if tarping is truly necessary for your product

Build relationships with reliable carriers for consistent pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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