Flatbed Transportation 24/7 – Digital Freight Platform

Flatbed Transportation 24/7

Flatbed transportation a specialized form of trucking designed to accommodate heavy loads or loads that are over-sized, odd-sized, long or wide. The loads are put on the trailer from the sides, rear or top. Cargo is carefully strapped or chained to hold the load from slipping and may be covered with a tarp for protection. The trucking industry is heavily regulated so it is important to use a licensed and bonded that carefully adheres to freight weight restrictions and shipment documentation requirements, and has experienced freight loaders.

Loading and Unloading when Experience Counts

There are various flatbed truck configurations to accommodate the many different types of loads that are not suitable for transport in an enclosed trailer or van. The standard flatbed trailer is 48’feet long, we offer 53′ flatbed and can carry flatbed freight up to 8 feet and 6 inches high, and 8 feet and 6 inches wide. If a load exceeds the width restrictions, a special permit is required. If the load is more than 11 feet and 6 inches wide, there is a need for a Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator that escorts the flatbed trailer during flatbed transportation.

Other types of flatbed trailers include the single or double drop deck trailer, the extendable flatbed and drop deck, and the Conestoga flatbed (a rolling tarp-covered flatbed trailer). The goose neck trailer can be detached and lowered to the ground to create a ramp for easier loading. There are others, including step decks with loading ramps, and 25′ to 40′ hotshot’s, but the ones mentioned are the most commonly used .

Bulky and Oversize Freight

The various configurations are designed to accommodate a variety of loads that include items like the following:

• Transformers
• Industrial Machinery
• Heavy equipment
• Panels
• Large pipe
• Fabricated steel
• Building materials
• Large machinery
• Solar panels
• Tubing
• Buildings
• Super Sacks
• Generators
• Granite Slabs
• Towers

Stretch trailers are available for transporting freight that is exceptionally long and will not fit on the standard trailer. The drop deck trailers have a lowered flatbed section with a front platform or front and back platform. It also accommodates oversize shipments. There are weight limits depending on the type of trailer used.

Safety First

Flatbed transportation can safely get loads from point of shipment to destination. However, only an experienced transportation company can properly manage trailer loading. One of the key requirements is the load weight distribution which considers placement of the load on the trailer so that the trailer axles carry most of the weight.

Safe flatbed transportation of materials and equipment requires knowledgeable truck drivers who take responsibility for careful freight loading and unloading. The versatility of the flatbed trailer makes it a practical option for the transport of cargo that could not be moved efficiently otherwise. Whatever type of cargo a customer needs moved there is a suitable trailer for cost effective shipping.