What Is Flatbed Shipping And How It Works

Flatbed shipping is a popular method in the trucking and logistics industry for transporting oversized or irregular cargo that cannot fit in standard enclosed trailers. Unlike dry vans or refrigerated trailers, flatbed trucks carry cargo on an open platform, making them ideal for large, heavy, or uniquely shaped items.

How Does Flatbed Shipping Work?

Flatbed shipping involves loading goods directly onto a flat, open trailer platform. Since the cargo is not enclosed, it can accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including high, wide, or unusually long items.

Flatbed trailers are commonly used for:

• Oversized machinery (forklifts, cranes, wind turbines)

• Construction materials (steel beams, concrete sections, lumber)

• Agricultural equipment

The shipper is responsible for securing the load with appropriate tie-downs, chains, or straps to comply with transport regulations and ensure safety during transit.

Uses of Flatbed Shipping

Flatbed trucks are versatile and often used for:

• Agricultural machinery and equipment

• Formed concrete and precast structures

• Industrial machinery and heavy-duty equipment

• Long pipes and lumber

• Manufactured goods that exceed standard trailer dimensions

It is important to note that flatbed shipments are not weatherproof, so cargo sensitive to rain, snow, or temperature extremes may require additional protection.

Types of Flatbed Trailers

Different flatbed trailers are designed for specific cargo types:

1. Stretch Flatbed – Adjustable length from 48 to 80 feet, ideal for long pipes or military vehicles.

2. Double Drop – Three deck heights to handle tall or irregular cargo, such as forklifts and cranes.

3. Step Deck – Lower deck with a higher truck, suitable for heavy-duty equipment like wind turbines.

4. Removable Gooseneck (RGN) – Features a ramp for loading other vehicles, such as tractors or power shovels.

5. Conestoga – Comes with a tarp frame system for cargo protection while still providing open-deck flexibility, though limited for heavy-weight items.

Advantages of Flatbed Shipping

• Cost-Effective: Maximizes load capacity and reduces trips, saving time and fuel.

• Ease of Loading: Open deck allows easier loading with cranes, forklifts, or by hand.

• High Weight Capacity: Can handle heavy and oversized shipments that standard trailers cannot.

Disadvantages of Flatbed Shipping

• Exposure to Weather: Cargo is vulnerable to rain, wind, and sun.

• High Maintenance: Open cargo may require additional securing and protection.

• Strict Regulations: Must follow specific rules for tie-downs, weight limits, and trailer dimensions.

Cost of Flatbed Shipping

Flatbed shipping rates vary by region, distance, and cargo weight. In the U.S., the average cost is approximately $3 per mile, but this can increase for oversized or bulk shipments. Key cost factors include:

• Weather conditions

• Origin and destination

• Trailer type and size

• Shipment urgency

• Seasonal demand

How Much Weight Can a Flatbed Haul?

Most flatbed trucks can transport up to 48,000 pounds, though deck sizes and height limits vary depending on the trailer model. Proper load securing is crucial to comply with safety regulations.

Is Flatbed Shipping Right for You?

Flatbed shipping is ideal for transporting:

• Cranes, forklifts, and heavy machinery

• Lumber, steel beams, and construction materials

• Agricultural equipment and oversized cargo

If your cargo is too large for standard trailers but does not require full refrigeration, a flatbed trailer offers flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings.

For heavy-duty transport solutions or agricultural cargo, explore our Semi Trailers & Flatbed Trailers and Agricultural Trailers at WONDEE Autoparts.