Routing Freight? Flatbed Truck Shipping Options

What is Flatbed Shipping?

Flatbed Truck Shipping

Flatbed shipping offers several advantages, including:

• Dimensional Flexibility: Without physical walls, flatbed trailers can accommodate larger freight.
• Versatile Loading Options: Unlike dry van trailers that load from the rear, flatbed trucks can be loaded from the sides, top, and back.

Types of Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed freight transport involves various types of flatbed trailers, each designed to meet specific cargo needs. Common flatbed trailers include standard flatbeds, step decks, and double drops, all providing an open deck for versatile loading and unloading. Flatbed trucking companies utilize flatbed trucks that allow cranes and forklifts to load from all angles, making them ideal for oversized and irregularly shaped freight. The open deck design of these trailers ensures they can accommodate a wide range of goods, from construction materials to heavy machinery.

Among the specialized types of flatbed trailers, the removable gooseneck (RGN) is notable for its detachable front end, which facilitates easy loading and unloading of heavy equipment. Double drop trailers, or lowboys, feature lower decks at the front and rear, providing increased clearance for taller cargo. Step decks, also known as drop deck trailers, have a lower deck height in the front section, making them suitable for taller loads that cannot be transported on standard flatbeds. Understanding the specific requirements of your shipment, including weight limits and dimensions, is crucial for selecting the appropriate trailer and ensuring safe and efficient flatbed freight shipping.

This transportation mode of shipping includes various flatbed trailer types to meet specific cargo needs:

1. Standard (Legal) Flatbed Trailer: A basic flatbed with an open deck, suitable for general and oversized loads.
2. Step Deck Trailer (Drop Deck Trailer): Features a lower deck in the front and a higher deck in the rear, ideal for transporting taller cargo.
3. Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailer: This trailer has a detachable front end for easy loading and unloading of heavy equipment, often used for oversized and overweight loads.
4. Double Drop Trailer (Lowboy): With lower decks in the front and rear and a higher middle section, this trailer provides increased clearance for taller cargo.
5. Curtain Side Flatbed Trailer: Equipped with retractable curtains on the sides, these trailers facilitate side loading and unloading.

Flatbed Shipping Tips

Working with a professional freight service can help secure the necessary equipment and capacity for your flatbed shipment. Flatbed hauling services offer the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of flatbed transportation, from selecting the right trailer type to managing loading and unloading processes. By partnering with experienced flatbed trucking companies, you can ensure your cargo is handled with care and transported efficiently, meeting all regulatory and safety standards.

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