Flatbed Freight Shipping
Open-deck hauling for heavy, oversized, and non-standard freight
Flatbed trailers are open-deck trailers without walls or a roof, designed for freight that can't fit inside an enclosed trailer or requires crane/forklift loading from the top or sides. Flatbed shipping is essential for construction materials, steel, lumber, heavy machinery, and oversized loads. Carriers provide specialized load securement including chains, straps, tarps, and blocking/bracing. For loads exceeding standard dimensions, we coordinate oversize permits, route surveys, and pilot car escorts.
Up to 48,000 lbs (standard flatbed). RGN trailers can handle heavier with permits.
Weight Capacity
20–40% premium over dry van FTL rates. Additional costs for permits, tarping, and escort vehicles.
Typical Rates
Similar to FTL transit times. Oversize loads may require 1–2 extra days for permit processing and route planning.
Transit Time
48' or 53' L × 8'6" W × variable height. Step deck: 37' lower deck at ~38" height + 11' upper deck. RGN: removable gooseneck for drive-on loading.
Dimensions
Key Features
Everything you get with our Flatbed freight service.
Open-deck trailers: standard flatbed, step deck, RGN (removable gooseneck), double-drop
Top and side loading with crane, forklift, or drive-on capability
Specialized load securement: chains, straps, edge protectors, blocking and bracing
Tarping services for weather protection on open loads
Oversize and overweight permit coordination across state lines
Pilot car and escort vehicle arrangement for wide/tall loads
Route surveys for loads exceeding standard height, width, or length
Carriers experienced with OSHA load securement standards
Common Commodities
Freight types most commonly shipped via Flatbed.
Steel coils, beams, plate, and rebar
Lumber and timber
Construction equipment
Heavy machinery (CNC, industrial)
Pipe and tubulars (oil & gas)
Precast concrete
Wind turbine components
Military vehicles and equipment
Agricultural equipment
Modular buildings and prefab components
When to Choose Flatbed
Ideal For
Steel coils and beams, lumber and building materials, heavy machinery and equipment, construction materials, pipe and tubulars, precast concrete, military equipment, oversized industrial components, and any freight requiring top or side loading.
Equipment Comparison
How Flatbed compares to other freight options.
Flatbed vs. Dry Van
Use dry van when your freight fits through standard trailer doors and doesn't require top/side loading. Dry van is cheaper (no tarping, securement premiums) and provides weather protection. Flatbed is necessary when dimensions or loading requirements exceed dry van limits.
Flatbed vs. Step Deck
Step deck (drop deck) trailers have a lower deck height (~38 inches vs. ~60 inches for standard flatbed), allowing taller freight without requiring oversize permits. Use step deck for loads over 8'6" tall that would exceed legal height on a standard flatbed.
Flatbed vs. RGN
RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers allow drive-on loading from the rear — essential for tracked vehicles, heavy equipment with wheels, and machinery that can't be crane-loaded. RGN has the lowest deck height (~18 inches) but costs more than standard flatbed.
States We Serve with Flatbed
View detailed Flatbed freight information for each state, including local industries, key lanes, and regulations.
Flatbed Shipping FAQs
How much does flatbed shipping cost?
Flatbed rates typically run 20–40% higher than dry van FTL rates due to specialized equipment, load securement requirements, and tarping. Additional costs may include oversize permits ($50–500+ per state), pilot car escorts ($500–1,500+ per trip), and route survey fees.
What's the difference between flatbed, step deck, and RGN?
Standard flatbed has a deck height of ~60 inches — best for steel, lumber, and standard-height loads. Step deck has a lower rear deck (~38 inches) — good for taller freight without oversize permits. RGN (removable gooseneck) has the lowest deck (~18 inches) and allows drive-on loading from the rear — essential for heavy equipment and tracked vehicles.
When do I need oversize permits for flatbed freight?
Permits are required when your loaded dimensions exceed: 8'6" width, 13'6" height, 53' length, or 80,000 lbs gross weight (varies by state). Each state has different permit requirements, and multi-state loads need permits from every state on the route. We coordinate all permits as part of our flatbed service.
Do flatbed loads need tarping?
Not always, but many commodities require tarps for weather protection — lumber, steel, paper products, and moisture-sensitive materials. Tarping adds $50–200 to the load cost. Some shippers specify 'driver-assist tarp' or 'shipper-provided tarp' on the rate confirmation.
What load securement is required for flatbed freight?
Federal regulations (FMCSA Part 393) require that all flatbed loads be secured to prevent shifting during transit. This includes chains, binders, straps, edge protectors, and blocking/bracing. The number of tie-downs required depends on the length and weight of the cargo. Our carriers are trained in proper load securement per FMCSA and OSHA standards.
Need a Flatbed Carrier?
Tell us about your Flatbed freight — origin, destination, weight, and timeline — and we will match you with a vetted, FMCSA-verified carrier. Usually within hours.
Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts