The future of versatile and efficient transportation is here! If you’re in the market for a reliable solution for hauling goods, look no further than the trusty flatbed. A flatbed truck is a type of huge vehicle characterized by its flat, open-bed shape. Flatbed trucks are unenclosed vehicles with no top or sidewalls. This one-of-a-kind layout works well for transporting large and wide cargo.
In this guide, you can find out what are the best flatbed trucks for sensitive cargo, their types, and what legal dimensions they can be operated under, so you have a good idea of what to expect when looking for solutions for unconventional cargo.
What are the Different Types of Flatbed Trailers?
If you’re considering becoming an owner-operator or starting a trucking company with a fleet of trucks, it is essential to understand the different types of flatbed trailers and their uses. Here are some key types of flatbed trailers that you should consider adding to your fleet:
Step Deck
A step deck, also known as a drop deck, features both a top and bottom deck. This design is particularly useful for transporting cargo that exceeds the width or height limits of a standard flatbed trailer.
What sets a step deck apart is its ability to position loads lower in the trailer, which helps the truck to navigate under low bridges. Additionally, loading ramps facilitate easy ground-level access to the bed, making them ideal flatbed trucks for sensitive cargo.
Extendable Flatbeds
Flatbed stretch trailers, also known as extendable flatbeds, are used to move material that is longer than a standard flatbed trailer. These trailers are designed to carry long loads without any overhang, protecting cargo from shifting while in transportation. In the oil and gas industry, where pipelines are a lifeline, extendable flatbeds come into play for the transportation of lengthy pipes and tubes.
Note: Transporting large shipments on extendable flatbeds will require additional permits and escort vehicles to comply with legal and safety regulations.
Stretch Single-Drop Deck
The drop deck on these trailers works similarly to that on extendable flatbeds. These trailers, which function similarly to extensible flatbeds, can have their beds extended to carry loads that are too large for regular step decks.
A bulkhead can also be fastened to the front of the trailer to prevent the cargo from shifting around, especially during sudden stops or braking. This feature becomes a game-changer when you need to transport items that simply won’t fit within the confines of standard trailers.
Double Drop
Double-drop flatbeds provide an effortless option for moving large cargo, particularly anything exceeding a height of 10 feet. The central well and front and rear decks of these customized trailers make them ideal for transporting such cargo. Imagine you have a massive piece of machinery, maybe a factory component or an industrial apparatus that exceeds standard height limits. The double-drop trailer comes to the rescue, providing a lowered central well that accommodates the extra height without compromising stability during transport.
However, the loading and unloading process of cargo from double-drop trailers may require additional equipment, such as cranes or specialized flatbed transportation gear.
Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)
RGNs, or removable gooseneck trailers, are frequently used for hauling large and high cargo, such as construction equipment. What sets RGNs apart is their remarkable flexibility, thanks to their ability to be disassembled and configured in various ways to suit different transportation needs.
One standout feature of RGNs is their capacity to be lowered to the ground, essentially transforming into a convenient ramp. You can have your own portable loading dock wherever you go. RGNs can also be fitted with variuos axle configurations so you can move not only heavy but also oversized freights.
Side-Kit
Side-kit flatbed trailers are equipped with essential features like panels, curved metal spines, and pegs designed for one crucial mission – securing tarps. Why does that matter?
Think about carrying goods that can’t be exposed to the elements, like perishable items. Side-kit trailers make it a breeze. You throw on a tarp, secure it with pegs, and your cargo is shielded from rain, wind, or any other external element that can harm your shipment.
Lowboys
Lowboy trailers are the heavy lifters in the cargo world, especially when it comes to equipment that exceeds the height limit of regular flatbeds. Unlike standard step deck flatbeds, lowboys have a lower profile, and that’s a game-changer. This allows them to effectively transport freight with clearance heights of up to 11 feet and 6 inches.
A regular 2-axle lowboy can confidently carry 40,000 lbs. But here’s the impressive part – add more axles, and that weight capacity doubles to a whopping 80,000 lbs., perfect for pairing with flatbed trucks for sensitive cargo.
What are the Legal Dimensions for Flatbed Hauling?
Flatbed shipping requires strict adherence to legal dimensions. Standard flatbeds and other trailer types include the following essential characteristics:
Standard flatbed trailer dimensions
- Length: 48 to 53 feet
- Height: 8.5 feet
- Width: 8.5 feet
- Maximum freight weight: 48,000 to 52,000 pounds
Step deck dimensions
- Maximum freight weight: 48,000 pounds
- Top deck length: 11 feet
- Bottom deck length: 37 feet
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Bottom deck height: 10 feet
Extendable flatbeds
- Maximum freight weight: 43,000 pounds
- Minimum length: 48 feet
- Maximum length: 80 feet
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Double drop dimensions
- Maximum freight weight: 36,000 to 42,000 pounds
- Main deck:
- Length: 25 to 29 feet
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Height: 11 feet 6 inches
- Front deck:
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches
- Rear deck:
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Height: 10 feet
Side-kit dimensions
- Maximum freight weight: 45,000 pounds
- Length: 48 to 53 feet
- Width: 8 feet 4 inches
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches
Oversized flatbed dimensions
- Dimensions exceeding 8.5 feet in width are considered oversized.
- Shipments exceeding 12 feet in width may require pilot vehicles.
- Weight restrictions apply on a per-axle basis, allowing for load adjustments to meet legal requirements.
What are the Safety and Best Practices for Flatbed Hauling
Safety is of utmost importance in the world of flatbed hauling and a set of essential tips helps guarantee cargo security and promote safe driving practices.
Tie-down equipment
- Calculate the required number of tie-downs based on cargo length and weight.
- Ensure securement devices, chains, and tie-down straps have a load limit set of 50% of the total cargo weight.
- Regularly inspect tie-downs to prevent unexpected cargo shifting during transit.
Cargo distribution
- Carefully examine cargo weight to avoid exceeding the specified maximum for the flatbed trailer.
- Maintain an even distribution of cargo for stability and to prevent tipping incidents.
Precautions for safe hauling
- Provide necessary safety gear for personnel involved in loading and securing cargo.
- Implement safe practices around trailers, including avoiding falls and following loading and unloading procedures.
- Create a secure working environment to reduce the potential for accidents and injuries during flatbed hauling.
4 Main Benefits of Flatbed Shipping
Flatbed shipping provides a range of advantages for freight companies, making it a preferred choice for transporting various types of cargo.
Versatility in cargo handling
Flatbed shipping is the epitome of cargo flexibility. These trucks are designed to make loading and unloading a breeze from any angle, making them perfect for hauling big machines and construction gear. With flatbeds, even the trickiest loads can be handled without the headache of taking things apart. It’s all about getting the job done smoothly while saving time and effort for freight companies.
Trip optimization
Here’s the deal with flatbeds – they excel at making every trip count. These trucks can carry plenty of cargo in one go, saving a tone of time and money for freight companies and their clients.
Loading dock flexibility
Flatbeds don’t play by the loading dock rules. Unlike some other trucks, they aren’t stuck to loading docks. That means they can go where others can’t; reaching places like homes and construction sites. Flatbeds are like the all-terrain vehicles of shipping, adapting to different spots and making deliveries where they’re needed most.
Cargo securement standards
When it comes to keeping cargo safe, flatbeds follow some strict rules. They use heavy-duty gear like chains, tarps, and coil racks to make sure everything stays put during the trip. For freight companies and their customers, it means they can trust that their cargo will arrive in top-notch condition, adding that extra layer of reliability to flatbed shipping.
Logos Logistics: Your Partner in Smooth Transportation in the United States
At Logos Logistics, we pride ourselves on being your trusted partner in the world of transportation. We offer a range of solutions for unconventional cargo using flatbed shipping.
Comprehensive truckload solutions
Our services include short haul, long haul, and drayage, using cutting-edge technology like TMS and WMS for efficient logistics.
Asset-based trucking services
With an extensive fleet and experienced team, we promise you secure and punctual transportation of goods, keeping your business on the move.
Short haul and long haul options
Whether you need regional coverage or long-haul transport, we’ve got the solutions to meet your needs.
Intermodal drayage services
We offer intermodal drayage solutions and prioritize cargo security with convenient yard locations.
Specialized sequenced parts delivery
Our Just-In-Sequence service optimizes Just-In-Time manufacturing, reducing storage and labor costs. Advanced features like GPS tracking and web-based tracing enhance efficiency.
Conclusion
The world of transportation is constantly in motion, and flatbeds stand as the symbol of versaility and innovation. From the standard flatbed to the specialized lowboy trailers, each type serves a unique purpose, addressing the specific challenges posed by different types of cargo.
When you choose Logos Logistics, you’re choosing a partner committed to the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your shipments. Let us be your partner in optimizing freight transport with flatbeds!
