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Flatbed Trucking

If you need to organize heavy and oversize shipments for a high-priority project, flatbed trucking might be the answer. As they have neither rigid walls nor a roof, flatbed trailers offer immense versatility in terms of the types of freight they can carry. A regular or full flatbed consists of a wide, flat, open trailer that’s pulled by a semi-tractor. They are a larger version of the trailers often used by hot shot trucking services.

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What is Flatbed Trucking?

Variations on the full flatbed are the Conestoga and the lowboy. The former is essentially a covered wagon where a tarp goes over the load, and the latter puts the bed closer to the ground for transporting taller items.

Flatbed trailers are used primarily for transporting things too large or bulky to fit in a dry van. A second reason for choosing a flatbed is the ease of loading and unloading. Rather than needing a loading dock, a flatbed can be accessed from the sides by fork truck. They can also be loaded and unloaded by crane and some lowboy trailers have ramps for driving wheeled and tracked vehicles on and off.

Short trips and urban journeys are feasible, but these large vehicles are used more for long-distance express delivery of urgently needed replacement parts, assemblies, fabrications, and similar equipment.

A flatbed trailer is frequently the best option for transporting oversized or exceptionally heavy cargo.

Maximum freight dimensions of 48,000 pounds.

Whether it's a short haul of a few miles or a trek spanning thousands, a flatbed trailer can handle it.

Flatbeds are also handy for loading and unloading at sites lacking a loading dock.

Full Flatbed Cargo Capacity

A full flatbed trailer provides a (nominally) level surface 60" above the ground that's 53' long and 102" wide. As the maximum allowable total vehicle height is 13.5', this means whatever is placed on the bed must not exceed 8.5' in height.

Note that with Conestoga flatbed trailers, maximum freight height is lower as space is needed for the tarp and support rails.

Lowboys are used when height becomes an issue. Transporting air handling units for industrial and commercial HVAC systems is one example; two others are large diameter storage vessels, and electrical transformers. Lowboys are also used for wheeled construction and agricultural equipment that can be driven on and off. Tractors, excavators, skid-steers, and forestry machinery illustrate what this style of trailer can be used for.

Think rolls of steel, lengths of extrusion, storage tanks and large industrial equipment.

They can also be used for display and event materials like platforms, stages, seating and tents. In short, anything too long for a smaller vehicle and that won't fit on a pallet.

Flatbeds may also be used for loading and unloading in locations that don't have a loading dock. Providing the load is on pallets, a fork truck can access the flatbed from the side for loading and unloading.

Range and Routes

A full flatbed trailer can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Most semi-tractors have a 300 gallon fuel tank, so even with a heavily loaded trailer their range is 1,500 miles or more between refueling stops. Whether you need your large and heavy load moving a few miles or a few thousand miles, a flatbed trailer and semi-tractor are up to the task.

There are two important qualifiers to this:

Weight limits and height restrictions can limit route options and extend journey distances and durations
There must be enough room, and the right equipment, at the departure and destination points for loading and unloading

More generally, these are not the most maneuverable freight vehicles. They're not ideal for city streets, and their journeys require careful planning. Plus, for loads wider and taller than regulations permit, it's important to make appropriate arrangements with all the relevant authorities along the route.

End to End Solutions

Beyond its loading perks, flatbed trucking offers remarkable flexibility for handling a wide range of shipment sizes and weights, from a single massive item to several smaller ones in one go. This adaptability suits industries like construction, manufacturing, and energy, where hefty gear and raw materials need fast, safe transport. Drivers and logistics pros team up with clients to pick the right flatbed type—whether standard, step deck, or double drop—matching the cargo’s size and weight while meeting all safety and regulatory standards.

Safety takes center stage in flatbed trucking, with meticulous securing techniques safeguarding loads on the move. Tarps, straps, chains, and binders are chosen and fastened with care to keep freight steady and undamaged throughout the journey. Flatbed drivers, well-versed in securing and checking cargo, ensure businesses can trust their goods will arrive on schedule and in top shape. Blending versatility, efficiency, and dependability, flatbed trucking stands out as a go-to option for moving big, heavy, or unusual expedited freight over any distance.

KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum freight dimensions

The regular limit is 48,000 pounds. For lowboy trailers, which are heavier, the limit is around 40,000 pounds, but trailers with more than two axles can carry more.

Maximum cargo dimensions

53' long, 102" wide and 102" tall. However, a lowboy trailer can accommodate items up to 12' high as it puts the bed much closer to the ground.

Maximum interior dimensions

Width: 102", height: 108", length: 53'. Sufficient for two rows of 12 standard pallets and up to 30 pallets if their design allows turning.

Range

Depending on route, freight, and fuel tank capacity, these trucks can go up to 1,500 miles between refueling stops.

Flatbed Trucking Advantages

Flatbed trucking delivers unmatched adaptability, serving as a prime choice for moving diverse expedited freight cargo. Its open layout simplifies loading and unloading oversized, oddly shaped, or weighty items—like machinery, building supplies, and big equipment—that won’t squeeze into enclosed trailers. Offering access from the sides, back, or even above, flatbeds cut down on loading time and skip tricky maneuvers. This freedom lets businesses ship unique freight smoothly, with few limitations.

Capabilities

Flatbed trailers are open decks towed by trucks, with compact models hitchable to pickups for “hot shot trucking,” while bigger ones need a semi-tractor to pull them. Beyond the basic flatbed, these trailers come in diverse forms. Conestoga trailers sport a tarp-covered frame, shielding cargo from weather and road risks. Lowboy trailers, meanwhile, feature a dropped bed between the rear axle and the gooseneck hitch linking to the truck.

Capacity

Full flatbed trailers haul massive or ultra-heavy loads, such as factory machinery or raw materials, which are fastened with lumber and locked down using winch straps or chains, usually requiring a crane for loading and unloading. Conestoga flatbeds can handle pallets too, with side access for loading and unloading. Lowboy trailers, favored for construction and farm gear, let equipment roll on before being secured. Their build supports taller cargo and keeps the center of gravity low, boosting stability and safety.

Transport

Flatbed trucking shines with its flexibility across industries and shipping demands. These trailers tackle both short trips and long hauls, delivering steady performance for all kinds of tasks. They can also be fitted with tarps, Conestoga covers, or other shields to protect cargo from the elements, matching the security of enclosed trailers when needed. For companies with regular or hefty shipments, flatbed trucking offers a smart, efficient, and budget-friendly option, proving its worth in numerous fields.

Loading

Loading flatbed trucks demands thoughtful preparation to guarantee safety and smooth operations. Cargo needs even placement to keep the load balanced and stop it from shifting on the move. Using straps, chains, or tarps to lock it down is key for stability and shielding against weather or rough roads. Heavy or oversized items often call for gear like forklifts or cranes, speeding up and sharpening the loading process. Sticking to weight caps and height rules is vital to meet transport laws and dodge penalties or holdups. Before rolling out, drivers and loaders should double-check everything to ensure the freight’s locked in tight.

Safety

Flatbed truck safety hinges on securely fastening cargo to stop it from sliding or tumbling mid-trip, a hazard that could endanger the driver and others on the road. Routine checks of straps, chains, and anchor points are essential to confirm they stay taut and intact the whole way. Drivers need to keep tabs on the truck’s height, width, and weight to follow rules and steer clear of low bridges or overloading trouble. Plus, donning personal protective gear (PPE) while loading and unloading cuts down on-site injury risks.

Tracking Technology

Equipping our flatbed trailers with cutting-edge tracking tech lets us sidestep delays and keep clients in the loop with steady updates on their shipment’s progress. Blending real-time positioning with deep insights into road and weather patterns, our logistics crew can tweak and refine routes on the fly to honor our promises. This tech keeps our operations humming smoothly, giving clients confidence that their goods are in expert hands.

Why Work with ExpeditedFreight.com?

A Single Point of Contact

From booking to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated expediter guiding you through every step of the logistics process. Experience seamless, personalized support from start to finish.

Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365

With real-time updates and complete visibility, you can stay ahead of any potential delays and make informed decisions to keep your operations running smoothly.

Multiple Options

We proactively analyze ground and air traffic, anticipate weather challenges, and account for potential flight delays to keep your shipment on track. Our goal is to overcome any obstacles and ensure your deadline is always met.

Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!

shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.

Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.

real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.

Types of Vehicles

FULL FLATBED

FullTruckload.com's full flat bed vehicles can accommodate wide or mega-size loads, such as specialized equipment machinery of all weights and sizes. Measuring 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, our fleet of full flat bed vehicles can carry freight of up to 48,000 pounds.

SPRINTER VAN

FullTruckload.com's expedited Sprinter vans have the capacity to meet your local, regional, or long-distance ground shipping needs. Measuring 8-12’ x 52” x 70", our carefully-selected vans have the capacity to carry loads up to 3,000 lbs.

8-12 ft long, 70 in High, 52 in wide, Non-Dock High, 3000 lbs

BOX TRUCK

We pride ourselves in working with trusted partners that offer carefully-vetted box trucks, from temperature-controlled vehicles to varying sizes that accommodate smaller loads. Our box trucks, or small straight trucks, measure 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and have the capacity to carry up to 5,000 pounds.

STRAIGHT TRUCK

Measuring 22-26’ x 96” x 96”, our straight trucks can carry loads up to 9,000 pounds. Our large straight truck services offer focused logistics, professional drivers, and deeply-experienced expeditors to get your delivery where it needs to go.

HOT SHOT TRUCK

We'll happily arrange for your freight to be transported via hot shot trucking services. We've proudly partnered with hot shot trucking providers across North America to give you access to carefully-vetted ground delivery vehicles for your time-critical freight.

53' DRY VAN

Our fleet of 53-Ft dry vans can carry loads up to 42,000 pounds. Measuring 53’ x 99” x 102”, these carefully-vetted vehicles will ensure your time-sensitive freight arrives at its destination safely.

FULL FLATBED

SPRINTER VAN

BOX TRUCK

STRAIGHT TRUCK

HOT SHOT TRUCK

53' DRY VAN

8 AM

10:30 AM

12 PM

1:30 PM

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Full Flatbeds Service

Heavy industrial equipment isn’t the sort of thing you move without careful planning, so it shouldn’t need an expedited freight service. That can change though, if the contracted transport company suddenly decides they’re not up to the job.

This was the situation facing a Texas-based company in the asphalt industry. They’d arranged to ship an entire asphalt plant from North Carolina to their location in Mount Pleasant, Texas. They’d spent months planning the move, sent a team to the NC site, and committed to renting some very expensive cranes for loading and unloading flatbed trailers, only to be left in the lurch at very short notice.

Our team of experienced freight expeditors sprang into action, locating the right types of truck for the machinery and other equipment being moved, and getting it all on site as fast as humanly possible. Within a week we had all the major items moved, which was within the original time window, and let the client avoid huge additional costs for the cranes and people.

It’s not often that full flatbed trailers are used for expedited hot shot delivery, but when the need arises, we’re the people who can make it happen.

Aviation & Aerospace

Every minute a commercial airliner is grounded costs airlines money. ExpeditedFreight.com helps get flights back in the air with fast delivery of parts and equipment across North America, using a nationwide carrier network and dedicated box trucks, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers to provide reliable, aviation-specific transportation solutions.

Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is ExpeditedFreight.com. From heavy machinery and building materials to specialized tools and equipment, our logistics solutions are tailored to keep your project on track. With a robust network of carriers and expertise in handling oversized, time-sensitive, and critical shipments, we ensure that every delivery arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.

Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.

Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.

Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as ExpeditedFreight.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.

Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!

Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.

3PL

With today’s broken supply chains, even companies that specialize in logistics find themselves needing help. We provide an expansive network of expedited ground and air shipping options to make the trip in the air, to and from the airport, or complete the entire delivery on the ground. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.

Flatbed Trucking

What is Flatbed Trucking?

A flatbed trailer is frequently the best option for transporting oversized or exceptionally heavy cargo.

Maximum freight dimensions of 48,000 pounds.

Whether it's a short haul of a few miles or a trek spanning thousands, a flatbed trailer can handle it.

Flatbeds are also handy for loading and unloading at sites lacking a loading dock.

Full Flatbed Cargo Capacity

TYPES OF CARGO

Range and Routes

End to End Solutions

KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum freight dimensions

Maximum cargo dimensions

Maximum interior dimensions

Range

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We’ve Got the Solution for Your Urgent Shipment

Flatbed Trucking Advantages

Capabilities

Capacity

Transport

Loading

Safety

Tracking Technology

Why Work with ExpeditedFreight.com?

A Single Point of Contact

Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365

Multiple Options

Our Streamlined Process

Single point of contact

shipment-to-vehicle matching system

Vetted & exclusive carriers

real-time monitoring & alerts

Types of Vehicles

FULL FLATBED

SPRINTER VAN

BOX TRUCK

STRAIGHT TRUCK

HOT SHOT TRUCK

53' DRY VAN

THE EXPEDITED FREIGHT PROMISE

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Full Flatbeds Service

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Full Flatbeds Service

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Full Flatbeds Service

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Full Flatbeds Service

Ready Solutions for Shipping Issues, Large and Small

Trusted by Our Most Valuable Partners

Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Construction

Energy

Manufacturing

Oil & Gas

Renewables & Environment

Retail

Technology

3PL

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