What Is Flatbed Shipping and How Does It Work?

November 22nd, 2022

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A flatbed trailer.

Being in the trucking industry, you’ve probably heard of flatbed freight shipping. But what exactly is flatbed shipping?

When a shipment is too large for a standard trailer, flatbed truck shipping is the best option. This is because the load is not enclosed.

Every load is different – from how high to how wide it is. Getting the load in motion will be complex, depending on the shipment dimensions and transport regulations. This is why the specifics of freight rates and additional details are helpful to note beforehand as the shipper.

We’ll make sure you have everything you need to get your load on the road. Let’s look at how flatbed shipping works and how to use this method to ship efficiently.

How Does Flatbed Shipping Work?

Flatbed shipping is generally referred to as open transportation of oversized cargo. Once you get everything loaded, it’s hauled on a flat base platform rather than in a trailer.

Flatbed truck shipping is more extensive and more adaptable for varying cargo capacities than standard trucks and trailers.

If you have oversized or irregular objects like forklifts or wind turbines, you’d use flatbed shipping to get them to their destination. There is a high weight and height capacity for these items which flatbeds can handle.

As the shipper, you can get more things sent out in a load with fewer trips saving you time and money.

What is Flatbed Shipping Used For?

A list of uses of a flatbed trailer.

Shippers frequently use flatbed shipping to transport cargo from numerous sites0

Flatbed freight examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Agricultural equipment
  • Formed concrete objects
  • Heavy machinery (i.e., forklifts, cranes)
  • Long pipes
  • Lumber
  • Manufacturing commodities

It is important to note that flatbed trucks are not weatherproof. Flatbed shipping is not the best way to ship things that require refrigeration or should not be exposed to outside elements.

Types of Flatbeds Used for Shipping

Part of what makes flatbed trucks so versatile is the variety of models available, each built for different types of cargo.

These are the most common flatbed trucks used for shipping and what they are best suited to ship:

  • Stretch: Stretch trailers have more length than others because they extend from 48 to 80 feet. The length is essentially customizable to fit items like long pipes to military vehicles.
  • Double Drop: Double Drops have three varying heights to accommodate tall items for shipment. These flatbed shipments often have irregular proportions, like agricultural machinery, cranes, and forklifts.
  • Step Deck: This flatbed freight vehicle, like the double drop, has a lower deck, but the truck is higher than the deck. These trailers are designed to haul heavy-duty equipment like wind turbines.
  • Removable Gooseneck: This flatbed has a ramp since it’s used to transport other large vehicles. These low-bed trailers are commonly used to transport tractors, power shovels, and other large vehicles.  
  • Conestoga: With the added weight from the tarp frame system, it can’t transport heavy-weight items like a standard flatbed can. However, it protects the truck’s goods similarly to a standard trailer truck to protect it from the surrounding environment.

Pros and Cons of Flatbed Shipping

Flatbed shipment is unlike any other kind of shipping. As one might think, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, for both carriers and shippers.

Pros

  • Shipping Fees: Flatbed shipping is a cost-effective way to move oversized freight. You can make the most of the haul with the weight allowance and ability to ship irregular objects, coming out on top with more profit per shipment.
  • Convenient: Loading cargo on flatbed trucks is more accessible and convenient than loading freight in dry van trailers because there are no physical walls or ceilings.
  • Higher Weight Limit: Flatbed trucks, unlike trailer trucks, can carry greater loads, making them appropriate for large shipments transported inside a specific territory.

Cons

  • Not Weatherproof: Flatbed shipments are more vulnerable to weather conditions, like rain, than other truck freight.
  • High Maintenance: To move cargo with this sort of freight is high maintenance because it is not enclosed, leaving it more prone to fallen cargo.
  • Strict Shipping Regulations: Flatbed carriers must adhere to specific shipping rules such as suitable tie-downs, trailer size for specific cargo, and weight limits.

The Cost of Flatbed Shipping

The average flatbed shipping rate in the United States is $3 per mile, but this varies by region and/or shipping zone. The rates are determined by the weight of the freight being shipped, distance traveled, destination, and cost of gasoline.

Flatbed truck shipping charges also differ from one company to the other. One thing is certain: oversized and bulk quantities of freight will hike up the price. Many shippers are unaware that they can bargain to lower flatbed freight costs. So you can negotiate the best price, this chart shows the average costs per mile in the various regions of the country:

A chart of average shipping rates for flatbed shipping.

Source: USA Truckload Shipping (2021)

Keep in mind that the average shipping cost can change due to current events and other considerations.

Is Flatbed Shipping Right for Me?

Now that you know the main factors influencing the cost of hauling open-deck freight, you’re ready for the road.

Before you buy a flatbed trailer, remember to consider the pros and cons. Are you comfortable with shipping a high-maintenance load? Can you adhere to the stricter road regulations for flatbed freight?

Flatbed shipping has become increasingly popular over the years, and it makes sense when you can ship almost anything you need with a flatbed.

To successfully ship a crane, steel beams, or lumber, you’ll need the support of a well-planned shipment strategy and a vehicle – like a flatbed – to get the job done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Flatbed an LTL?

Essentially, yes, a flatbed is an LTL (less than truckload). However, the major difference is the LTL’s limitation of forklift shipping due to the weight. Flatbeds are traditionally used for forklift shipping, so remember this when deciding your desired shipping method.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Flatbed Shipping?

Some factors that impact the cost of flatbed shipping are:

How Much Weight Can a Flatbed Haul

Deck sizes typically vary, as do height limits. In general, most flatbed vehicles can transport up to 48,000 pounds.

Start Flatbed Shipping with Hale Trailer

Now that you understand what flatbed freight shipping is, the many types of flatbeds, and the benefits, you’re ready to plan your next flatbed shipments.

Hale Trailer can assist you with anything from finding the perfect flatbed to transport your products to ensuring everything arrives on time. Our professionals are the answer if you need a reliable partner to transfer your heavy items. Our various trailers are ready for the long haul, whether you’re looking to rent or want one of our used flatbeds for sale. Browse our line-up online or at one of the trailer rental locations if you want to learn more about how we can work for you.

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