Flatbed Dispatch vs Dry Van Dispatch

Dispatch fundamentals are the same for every trailer: find good freight, plan the next move and keep drivers and brokers informed. But flatbed and dry van behave differently, and a dispatcher who treats them the same will leave money and time on the table.

Freight and customers

Dry van freight is mostly packaged consumer and industrial goods moving between distribution centers, warehouses and stores. Flatbed hauls building materials, steel, lumber, machinery and other freight that is loaded from the side or top. Flatbed shippers are often job sites, mills and yards rather than large distribution centers, which changes how pickups and deliveries work.

Securement and tarping

Flatbed drivers secure the load themselves with straps, chains and other equipment, and many loads need tarps. Securement must meet federal cargo securement rules. For dispatch, this means:

• Confirming the load dimensions, weight and securement needs before booking.
• Knowing whether tarps are required and whether a tarp charge applies.
• Allowing time for securement and tarping when planning hours and appointments.

See FMCSA's cargo securement rules for the official requirements.

Load planning

Dry van loads are usually measured in pallets and weight, and the dispatcher mostly matches lanes and timing. Flatbed adds dimensions, piece counts and sometimes oversize considerations. Step deck, Conestoga and other open-deck variants each suit different freight, so knowing exactly what the truck can carry matters.

Appointments and timing

Dry van often runs to fixed appointments at large facilities, sometimes with drop-and-hook options. Flatbed pickups at mills and job sites can be first come, first served, with daylight and weather affecting loading. Dispatch should plan around these patterns, not fight them.

Driver communication

Flatbed drivers make more on-site decisions about securement and load safety. Dispatch should give them complete information up front and support their judgment, especially about whether a load can be secured safely.

For more on negotiating open-deck freight, read flatbed rate negotiation, or see our equipment pages.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Check current requirements with FMCSA and your own advisers.