Tech Rig Dispatch
Route Planning for Flatbed Trucks

Route Planning for Flatbed Trucks to
Maximize Profits
The Flatbed Route Optimization Challenge
Flatbed trucking demands a unique approach to route planning. With oversized loads and specialized cargo, your routes require careful consideration beyond simple point A to point B logistics.

The CPM-RPM Balance
Cost Per Mile (CPM) and Rate Per Mile (RPM) are crucial metrics in flatbed trucking. Effective route planning directly impacts these numbers:
- CPM: Includes fuel, maintenance, and driver pay
- RPM: The rate you charge per mile
- Your goal: Maximize the gap between CPM and RPM
Mapping the Money Lanes
High-Yield Corridors
Identify routes with consistently high RPM for flatbed loads. These often connect:
- Industrial centers
- Construction hubs
- Energy production sites
Eliminating Empty Miles
Empty flatbeds are profit killers. Plan routes with backhaul opportunities to keep your RPM high and your truck loaded.
Navigating Weight Restrictions
Flatbeds often carry weighty cargo. Plan routes that accommodate:
- Bridge weight limits
- Road restrictions for oversized loads
- Weigh station locations
Fuel Strategy Is More Than Just Pit Stops
Strategic fuel planning can significantly lower your CPM:
- Map out fuel stops in lower-cost areas
- Consider fuel card discounts in your route
- Factor in idle time for oversized load inspections
Time Management in Route Planning
Flatbed loads often require extra time for securing and tarping. Your route should account for:
- Required rest breaks
- Realistic loading/unloading times
- Potential weather delays affecting exposed cargo

Curious about how much you could be saving - & earning - with Tech Rig Dispatch?
The Permit Puzzle
Many flatbed loads require special permits. Efficient route planning includes:
- Researching permit requirements across states
- Factoring in permit acquisition time
- Planning routes that maximize multi-state permits
Seasonal Considerations
Flatbed demand shifts with the seasons. Adjust your route planning to capitalize on:
- Construction booms in warmer months
- Agricultural harvests in the fall
- Energy sector projects year-round
Technology: Your Route Planning Ally
Modern routing software can help optimize your CPM-RPM spread:
- Real-time traffic and weather updates
- Fuel price mapping
- Load matching for efficient multi-stop routes
The Long Haul vs. Short Haul Debate
Analyze your operational data to determine which route types maximize your RPM while minimizing CPM:
- Long hauls: Higher per-trip revenue, but increased fuel costs
- Short hauls: More frequent loads, but potentially higher overall operating costs
Safety First
Flatbed loads present unique safety challenges. Prioritize routes that offer:
- Safe places for load checks and adjustments
- Alternative paths in case of road closures or accidents
- Access to repair facilities familiar with flatbed equipment
The Route Planning Feedback Loop
Regularly analyze completed routes:
- Compare actual CPM and RPM to projections
- Identify unexpected challenges or delays
- Adjust future planning based on real-world data
Let’s Talk Next Steps
Don’t let your box truck sit idle. Call Tech Rig Dispatch now or email us.
Let’s discuss how we can help you find better loads and streamline your operations.
In this business, time is money. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start seeing improvements in your box truck freight business.
Elevate Your Flatbed Route Planning with Tech Rig Dispatch
Tired of leaving money on the table with inefficient routes? Tech Rig Dispatch specializes in optimizing flatbed trucking operations to maximize your profits.
Our team of experts combines industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology to:
- Identify high-RPM lanes tailored to your equipment
- Minimize your CPM through strategic route and fuel planning
- Navigate permit complexities across multiple states
- Find lucrative backhaul opportunities to boost your bottom line
Don’t let suboptimal routes eat into your profits. Partner with Tech Rig Dispatch and transform your flatbed operation into a model of efficiency and profitability.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s analyze your current routes and discover untapped potential in your flatbed business. With Tech Rig Dispatch, you’re not just planning routes – you’re paving the way to increased success in the competitive world of flatbed trucking.
Trucking Industry Insights & Expert Guides
- What is Flatbed Dispatching?
- Benefits of Flatbed Dispatch Services
- Finding Flatbed Loads
- Flatbed Load Boards
- Negotiating Flatbed Rates
- Route Planning for Flatbed Trucks
- Compliance for Flatbed Truckers
- Technology in Flatbed Dispatching
- Challenges in Flatbed Dispatching
- Success Stories in Flatbed Dispatching
- Cost of Flatbed Dispatch Services
- Choosing the Right Flatbed Dispatcher
- Flatbed vs. Other Truck Dispatching
- Increasing Efficiency for Flatbed Trucks
- Training for Flatbed Dispatchers
- Legal Aspects of Flatbed Dispatching
- Insurance for Flatbed Operations
- Environmental Impact of Flatbed Trucking
- Innovations in Flatbed Dispatching
- Customer Service in Flatbed Dispatching