Open-deck truckload

Flatbed freight brokerage for open-deck shipping

Open-deck trailers for construction materials, steel, lumber, machinery and freight that loads from the side or top.

Flatbed truck hauling strapped bundles of lumber on a highway

Overview

How flatbed freight brokerage works

A flatbed trailer has no sides, roof or doors, which is exactly why it works for freight that a van cannot take. Forklifts can load from either side, cranes can set freight from above, and long or bulky items do not have to squeeze through a rear door. We arrange flatbed shipments with authorized carriers whose equipment and securement fit what you are moving.

Equipment

Typical flatbed specifications

Common length: 48 or 53 ft
Deck height: ≈ 60 in
Legal freight height: ≈ 8 ft 6 in
Typical freight weight: ≈ 45,000–48,000 lb
Loading: Side, top, crane

Typical figures for general planning only. Actual dimensions and capacities vary by trailer, and legal height and weight limits vary by state.

Why shippers choose flatbed

Flatbeds solve loading problems. Freight that is long, wide, heavy or irregularly shaped can be placed on the deck from the side or from above, which is often the only practical way to load bundled lumber, beams, pipe or equipment at a job site or mill.

Because the freight rides in the open, it is secured with straps, chains, edge protection and, when needed, tarps. Tell us if your freight must be tarped or if it has specific securement requirements so the carrier arrives prepared.

Steel coils secured on the deck of a flatbed trailer

Height matters on a flatbed

A standard flatbed deck sits roughly five feet off the ground. That means freight taller than about 8 feet 6 inches can push the total height past the legal limit in many states. When freight is too tall for a flatbed, a step deck or RGN trailer with a lower deck is usually the next option to consider.

Rows of rolled steel coils staged inside an industrial warehouse

Tarping and securement

Some flatbed freight must be protected from moisture or road debris. Lumber, drywall and certain steel products are commonly tarped. Tarping requirements, the type of tarp and any special securement needs should be part of the quote request so the details are agreed before pickup.

Lumber and steel tarps
Edge protection for finished products
Chains and binders for heavy equipment
Straps and corner guards for bundled freight

Overhead view of a divided highway with trucks passing through green fields

Request a quote

What to include in your quote request

The more accurate these details are, the more accurate your flatbed quote will be.

Start your quote

01Pickup and delivery city and state
02Commodity and number of pieces
03Dimensions of the largest piece (L × W × H)
04Approximate total weight
05Tarping or special securement needs
06How the freight is loaded and unloaded

FAQ

Flatbed Freight questions

What is the maximum freight height on a flatbed?

With a deck height of about 5 feet, a flatbed can usually carry freight up to about 8 feet 6 inches tall before the load exceeds the legal height limit in many states. Legal height varies by state, so we confirm clearance for your route. Taller freight often moves on a step deck or RGN trailer instead.

Does my flatbed freight need to be tarped?

It depends on the commodity and the receiver's requirements. Lumber, drywall and many finished steel products are commonly tarped. Let us know when you request a quote so the carrier arrives with the right tarps.

How long is a standard flatbed trailer?

Flatbeds are most commonly 48 or 53 feet long and 8 feet 6 inches wide. Freight wider than 8 feet 6 inches is considered oversize and generally requires permits.

Can a flatbed be loaded with a crane?

Yes. Because a flatbed is open on the top and sides, it can be loaded by crane, overhead gantry, forklift or loader. Share the loading method in your quote request so the pickup can be planned around it.

Keep exploring

ServiceStep Deck FreightA lower main deck gives taller freight additional vertical clearance compared with a conventional flatbed.ServiceRGN FreightRemovable gooseneck trailers for heavy equipment and machinery that is driven on from the front.Guide · 6 min readHow Does Freight Brokerage Work?Guide · 6 min readDry Van vs. Flatbed: Which Is Right for Your Freight?Guide · 5 min readWhat Is Step Deck Freight?

Request a flatbed quote

Tell us about the shipment and we’ll follow up to confirm the details and the equipment.

Request a Quote Call (872) 710-5305

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