Flatbed shipping uses open-deck trailers without walls or roofs, specifically designed for freight that cannot fit inside standard enclosed trailers. With loading access from all sides—top, rear, and sides—flatbed trailers accommodate oversized, heavy, and irregularly shaped cargo. Standard flatbed trailers measure 48-53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and can safely transport loads up to 48,000 pounds and 8.5 feet tall.
Flatbed trailers offer 360-degree loading access from the top, sides, and rear. This flexibility accommodates crane loading, forklift operations from any angle, and overhead loading—impossible with enclosed trailers. Load and unload faster with equipment positioned exactly where needed.
Standard flatbeds handle freight up to 48,000 pounds and 8.5 feet tall. Specialized flatbeds like step decks and double-drops accommodate even taller, heavier loads. Transport machinery, steel, and construction materials that far exceed dry van limitations.
Flatbeds deliver directly to construction sites, warehouses without docks, and remote locations. No loading bay required—unload with forklifts or cranes in open areas, making flatbeds ideal for ground-level facilities and active construction zones.
Open-deck design eliminates the time-consuming process of maneuvering cargo through trailer doors. Load from any direction with cranes or forklifts, reducing downtime and keeping your supply chain moving efficiently. Faster turnaround means faster project completion.
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Flatbed shipping uses open-deck trailers without walls or roofs for transporting oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped freight. The open design allows loading from all sides—top, rear, and sides—making it ideal for cargo that cannot fit inside standard enclosed trailers.
Flatbeds are ideal for freight exceeding standard trailer dimensions: loads wider than 8 feet, taller than 8.5 feet, longer than 48 feet, or irregularly shaped items requiring crane or forklift loading from multiple angles. Standard flatbeds accommodate up to 48,000 pounds.
Standard flatbed trailers can safely transport up to 48,000 pounds. Specialized heavy-haul flatbeds and double-drop trailers can accommodate even heavier loads depending on axle configuration and permits. Weight capacity varies by trailer type and configuration.
Standard flatbeds have a single deck height with an 8.5-foot maximum load height. Step decks (drop decks) feature a lower deck section, allowing loads up to 10-11 feet tall while still meeting highway clearance regulations—perfect for taller machinery and equipment.
Tarping depends on your freight. Weather-sensitive materials like lumber, machinery, or equipment requiring protection from elements should be tarped. Steel, concrete, and other weather-resistant materials may ship open. We provide professional tarping services when needed.
Yes! Flatbeds excel at job site deliveries. They can be loaded and unloaded with cranes or forklifts in open areas without loading docks, making them perfect for active construction zones, remote locations, and facilities without traditional dock infrastructure.
Loads exceeding standard dimensions (over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, or 53 feet long) or weighing over 80,000 pounds require oversize/overweight permits. We handle all permit applications, route planning, and escort coordination for oversized shipments.
Freight is secured using heavy-duty chains, load binders, ratchet straps, and specialized securement equipment based on cargo type and weight. Professional carriers follow DOT securement regulations to ensure safe transport. Tarps provide additional weather protection when needed.
