Flatbed Freight

Flatbed freight moves on open-deck trailers, giving shippers the ability to load cargo that won't fit inside a standard dry van due to size, weight, or shape. Common flatbed commodities include steel coils, lumber, heavy machinery, construction equipment, building materials, and oversized industrial components. Variations of flatbed equipment include standard flatbeds (48 or 53 feet), step-deck trailers (with a lower rear deck for taller cargo), and double-drop or lowboy trailers for the heaviest or tallest loads.

Flatbed shipping has unique requirements that don't apply to enclosed freight. Cargo must be secured to the deck using chains, straps, tarps, and dunnage – and the driver is typically responsible for proper securement, following FMCSA regulations for load securement. Tarping is an additional service that adds cost and time, required when freight needs protection from weather but doesn't warrant enclosed equipment. Oversize or overweight loads may require permits, escort vehicles, and route planning to avoid low bridges or restricted roads.

Flatbed rates are generally higher than dry van for comparable lanes because the equipment is less fungible, the carrier pool is smaller, and loading and unloading require more specialized handling – often involving forklifts, cranes, or dock equipment that not every facility has. Seasonal patterns also affect flatbed availability: construction season in spring and summer tightens capacity significantly.

For industrial and manufacturing shippers, flatbed is a critical mode that requires accurate weight and dimension data, knowledge of securement requirements, and carrier relationships with operators who specialize in open-deck freight. Managing flatbed alongside your enclosed freight in one system prevents the visibility gaps that occur when specialized modes are handled through separate processes.