Flatbed and open-deck shipping
Open-deck trailers for freight that's loaded by crane, forklift or from the side, or that's too tall, wide or heavy for an enclosed trailer.
What flatbed shipping is
A flatbed is an open trailer with no sides or roof. Freight is loaded from the top or sides and secured with straps, chains or binders. A step deck is an open-deck trailer with a lower rear deck, so taller freight can stay within legal height limits.
The right open-deck trailer depends on your freight's dimensions, weight and loading method, so we confirm those details before quoting.
Freight that fits
- Steel coils, plate, beams and pipe
- Lumber, trusses and building materials
- Machinery and equipment
- Freight loaded by crane or overhead hoist
Equipment and handling
- Standard flatbeds are 48 or 53 feet long and 8 feet 6 inches wide.
- On a standard flatbed, freight can typically be about 8 feet 6 inches tall. A step deck allows roughly 10 feet.
- Typical maximum cargo weight is around 45,000–48,000 lb, depending on the truck and trailer.
- Tell us if your freight needs tarps, edge protection, or a specific securement method such as chains or straps.
Dimensions and weights are typical industry figures. The actual capacity of a load depends on the carrier's equipment and the route.
Coverage and limitations
- We arrange flatbed and step deck loads between points in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
- Freight wider, taller, longer or heavier than legal limits needs state permits and sometimes escort vehicles. Share exact dimensions and weight and we'll tell you whether we can arrange the load.
- Both pickup and delivery need equipment and space to load and unload from the top or side.
Information for your quote
- Pickup and delivery city, state and ZIP
- Requested pickup date and any delivery deadline
- Commodity: what the freight is
- Total weight in pounds
- Length, width and height of each piece
- Number of pieces and how they're loaded (forklift, crane)
- Tarping and securement requirements
- Whether the delivery site is a job site
What affects the price
- Lane and distance. Miles matter, and so does how much freight leaves the delivery area, since that affects what a carrier can haul next.
- Market conditions. Truck availability shifts with season, weather, holidays and demand on your lane.
- Lead time. Loads booked with more notice usually have more carrier options than same-day requests.
- Fuel. Diesel prices are built into carrier rates.
- Dimensions and weight. Size and weight decide the trailer type, and over-dimensional freight needs permits.
- Tarping and handling. Tarps, extra securement and job-site deliveries add to the base rate.
We don't publish fixed rates. Every quote reflects your lane, timing and freight on the day you ask.
How we coordinate your shipment
- We confirm the trailer type, appointment times and special requirements with you before booking.
- We tender the load only to a carrier whose operating authority, insurance and safety record we've checked.
- We confirm pickup with the carrier and send you updates at pickup, in transit and at delivery by phone, email or text.
- If timing changes on the road, we tell you right away and work out the next step with you and the receiver.
Flatbed shipping questions
Do I need a flatbed or a step deck?
It mostly comes down to height. Freight taller than a standard flatbed allows may fit within legal height limits on a step deck's lower deck. Send us each piece's dimensions and we'll recommend the trailer.
Does my freight need to be tarped?
Freight that weather, road grime or sun can damage, such as lumber, finished steel or some machinery, is usually tarped. Tell us if your freight needs a tarp and which type. Tarping is quoted as part of the load.
Who loads and unloads a flatbed?
The shipper and receiver normally provide the forklift, crane or other equipment to load and unload. The driver secures the load. If either site has limits, tell us before we book.
Get a flatbed quote
Share your lane, pickup date and freight details. We'll review them with you and send a quote.