Flatbed trucking is the transport of freight on an open, deck-style trailer with no walls or roof, so cargo can be loaded from the top, sides, or rear. It’s the go-to method for oversized, heavy, or oddly shaped loads — construction materials, machinery, steel, lumber, and equipment — that simply won’t fit in an enclosed dry van.
When you need a flatbed
You need a flatbed when the cargo can’t be loaded through the back doors of a standard trailer or exceeds its interior dimensions. Common examples include building materials (lumber, drywall, pipe), structural steel and rebar, heavy machinery, prefabricated components, large vehicles, and palletized goods that are too wide or tall for a dry van. Flatbeds also allow crane or forklift loading from any angle, which speeds up handling for bulky items.
Types of flatbed trailers
Standard flatbed
A flat, single-level deck about 48–53 feet long, ideal for general oversized freight that doesn’t exceed legal height when loaded.
Step deck (drop deck)
Has a lower bottom deck so taller cargo stays within legal height limits without a permit.
Double drop and lowboy
Feature a dropped center well for very tall or heavy machinery, keeping the load low to the road.
Extendable flatbed
Stretches to carry extra-long items like beams, pipe, or wind-turbine components.
Securing flatbed loads
Because the cargo is exposed, securement is critical and heavily regulated. Drivers use straps, chains, binders, edge protectors, and tarps, and must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cargo securement rules — including minimum numbers of tie-downs based on cargo weight and length. Proper tarping also protects sensitive freight from weather. Experienced flatbed drivers are skilled in load balancing and securement, which is a key reason to use a carrier with trained, company drivers.
Flatbed vs. dry van
A dry van is enclosed and protects cargo from weather and theft, but limits you to whatever fits through the doors. A flatbed is open and flexible for size and loading, but exposes cargo to the elements and requires more securement work. The choice comes down to the dimensions and nature of your freight: standard boxed goods go in a van; oversized or top-loaded freight goes on a flatbed.
Permits and oversized loads
Flatbed freight that exceeds legal width, height, length, or weight limits requires state oversize/overweight permits and sometimes escort vehicles or specific travel times. Planning the route and permits in advance prevents fines and delays — another area where an experienced carrier adds value.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the maximum legal load on a flatbed?
Standard legal limits are roughly 48,000 lbs of cargo, 8.5 ft wide, and 8.5 ft high on the deck, with total height around 13.5 ft. Anything beyond that is an oversized load requiring permits.
Do flatbed loads get tarped?
Often yes. Tarping protects weather-sensitive freight like lumber or machinery, though some cargo (steel, concrete) may ship untarped depending on the shipper’s requirements.
Is flatbed more expensive than dry van?
Flatbed rates are often higher because of specialized equipment, additional securement labor, and the skill required, but pricing depends on lane, weight, and dimensions.
Get a flatbed freight quote
Go Freight is a Miami asset-based, AI-powered 3PL with 100+ company-owned trucks serving South Florida — no double brokering. Request a free quote or call (786) 445-0150.