Nationwide Flatbed Truckload Freight Shipping Services

Expert Solutions and Capacity for Oversized Freight

Shipping freight via flatbed is generally reserved for oversized items exceeding standard dry van dimensions, or on those infrequent occasions when receivers lack a dock to unload product.

Flatbed trucks accommodate agricultural equipment, construction materials and even shipments of cars and other vehicles – so long as detailed plans are in place for safely loading and unloading cargo.

Loading large materials from the top or side of any open deck trailer generally calls for a crane, as well as other tie-down equipment necessary to keep large loads from shifting in transit. This is where a third-party logistics partner’s experience and connections with reputable carriers prove particularly beneficial; a good 3PL will identify safe, efficient routes for transporting specialty cargo while lining up the right equipment (and driver) for each job.

Flatbed trucking is a highly coordinated practice. For all the moving parts to run smoothly, precise weight and dimensions of a shipment will almost certainly be required before transport. So long as the cargo in question doesn’t dramatically exceed the trailer’s footprint, flatbeds can handle heavy-duty logistical jobs for most businesses.

Other types of flatbeds beyond the standard open-deck, 48’ truck include:

• Double Drop – This trailer has a well or single hauling section that sits 18” off the ground, and is usually used for moving taller freight like construction machinery, vehicles, or large aircraft parts.
• Removable Gooseneck – A specialty trailer that comes with a removable neck converting the front of the trailer into a ramp, making it ideal for loading and moving automobiles, mobile homes, and other wheeled equipment like farming or construction vehicles.
• Step Deck – Used for excessively tall shipments where extra permits would be needed with another trailer type. A step deck flatbed gives shippers the ability to load products up to 10’ high without extra permits. Its dual hauling platforms stand at different heights, with the main bed being the longest and lowest of the two, giving it a step-like appearance and feel.

Benefits of Flatbed Shipping with First Call:

• Access to our team’s network of qualified flatbed carriers
• A wide variety of equipment options best suited for your business’ specific needs
• Clear shipment visibility and communication through First Call’s customer portal

Flatbed Truckload Frequently Asked Questions: