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Flatbed Trucking

If you need to organize heavy and oversize shipments for a high-priority project, flatbed trucking might be the answer. As they have neither rigid walls nor a roof, flatbed trailers offer immense versatility in terms of the types of freight they can carry. A regular or full flatbed consists of a wide, flat, open trailer that’s pulled by a semi-tractor. They are a larger version of the trailers often used by hot shot trucking services.
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What is Flatbed Trucking?

Variations on the full flatbed are the Conestoga and the lowboy. The former is essentially a covered wagon where a tarp goes over the load, and the latter puts the bed closer to the ground for transporting taller items.
 
Flatbed trailers are used primarily for transporting things too large or bulky to fit in a dry van. A second reason for choosing a flatbed is the ease of loading and unloading. Rather than needing a loading dock, a flatbed can be accessed from the sides by fork truck. They can also be loaded and unloaded by crane. Some lowboy trailers have ramps for driving wheeled and tracked vehicles on and off.

Flatbed trailers are often used for expedited delivery of large and bulky items. Short trips and urban journeys are feasible, but these large vehicles are used more for long-distance express delivery of urgently needed replacement parts, assemblies, fabrications, and similar equipment.
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A flatbed trailer is often the right choice for moving large or abnormally heavy loads.

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Maximum freight dimensions of 48,000 pounds.

Package tracking

Whether you need to transport goods a few miles or thousands of miles, a flatbed trailer is up to the task.

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Flatbeds may also be used for loading and unloading in locations without a loading dock.

Full Flatbed Cargo Capacity

The size of load a flatbed can handle is governed by regulations on overall height and width. This means the load should not be wider than 102” and the total height from the road must be no more than 13’6”. Wider and taller loads can be moved if appropriate permits are obtained and arrangements made.

A full flatbed trailer is 60” above the road. This limits the maximum freight height to 102”. However, a lowboy trailer puts the bed closer to the ground, permitting loads up to 12’ high.

Conestoga flatbeds are subject to the same size limits, but require room for the tarpaulin and carriers to move over the load. Thus effective freight size limits are several inches less than for a full flatbed.

The maximum permitted weight of a two-axle flatbed trailer and load is 48,000 pounds. Conestoga and lowboy trailers are heavier than full flatbeds, which reduces their effective capacity. However, three-axle trailers can carry higher loads.
 
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TYPES OF CARGO

These trailers are used for heavy and oversize shipments, and particularly for oil and gas industry trucking. 
 
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They take large industrial assemblies and components from manufacturing sites to where they’re needed, often production locations. Boilers, pumps, motors, and filtration units are just a few examples.
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Full flatbeds are sometimes used in hot shot freight applications, where materials, equipment or tools need to be on site as quickly as possible. This might be because a line or plant is down, there’s a safety issue, or the cost of not having the items is high.
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Flatbeds can transport palletized freight, and have the advantage that they can be unloaded from the sides. This is useful when a loading dock is not available. They can also be loaded and unloaded by crane, which is often the approach taken for large rolls or coils or long lengths of material.
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Flatbed trailers are not suitable for perishable cargo or packaging that can be damaged by water. Neither are they secure for smaller, high-value items. If items being moved on a flatbed are vulnerable to water damage, they must be protected appropriately.
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Range and Routes

Flatbed trailers can be used for short journeys in urban and suburban areas, providing means of loading and unloading are available. More often though, they are deployed on longer distance, same day shipping, Just-in-Time delivery, and similar expedited freight services.

Depending on fuel tank capacity, load, and road conditions, a semi hauling a full flatbed trailer can go up to 1,500 miles between refueling stops. That gives these vehicles the ability to traverse the length and breadth of the continent in just a few days.

If you need a large or heavy load moving across town or across the country, our flatbed trucking service might be the best approach. Contact ExpeditedFreight.com for details.
 

End to End Solutions

In addition to its loading advantages, flatbed trucking provides exceptional scalability for various shipment sizes and weights, accommodating everything from single large items to multiple smaller pieces in one trip. This makes flatbed trucks ideal for industries like construction, manufacturing, and energy, where bulky equipment and raw materials must be transported quickly and securely. Drivers and logistics experts work closely with clients to select the appropriate flatbed trailer type—such as standard flatbeds, step decks, or double drops—based on the cargo’s dimensions and weight, ensuring compliance with all safety and transportation regulations.

Safety is a top priority in flatbed trucking, with rigorous cargo securing methods used to protect shipments during transit. Tarps, straps, chains, and binders are carefully selected and applied to each load, preventing shifting or damage along the route. Additionally, flatbed drivers are highly trained in securing and inspecting freight, giving businesses peace of mind that their cargo will arrive on time and intact. With its combination of versatility, efficiency, and reliability, flatbed trucking remains one of the most dependable solutions for transporting large, heavy, and unconventional freight across short and long distances.

KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Full flatbed dimensions

102” wide, 53’ long, 60” above the ground.

Maximum freight dimensions

53’ long, 102” wide and 102” high for a maximum overall height of 13’6”.

Maximum total weight (trailer plus load)

48,000 pounds with two axles. (More axles permit heavier loads.)

Maximum freight height on a lowboy trailer

12’

Range

Depends on fuel tank capacity, route, and weight being moved, but can be up to 1,500 miles between refueling stops.

Seating for two

Semi-tractor units are available with extended cabs and sleeping compartments for driver teams.

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Flatbed Trucking Advantages

Flatbed trucking offers unparalleled versatility, making it a go-to solution for transporting a wide range of goods. Its open design allows for the easy loading and unloading of oversized, irregularly shaped, or heavy items, such as machinery, construction materials, and large equipment, that may not fit within the confines of enclosed trailers. With the ability to load from the sides, rear, or even the top, flatbed trucks save valuable time during the loading process and eliminate the need for complex maneuvers. This flexibility ensures that businesses can efficiently transport specialized cargo with minimal restrictions.

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Capabilities

Flatbed trailers are open platforms towed by trucks, with smaller versions capable of being pulled by pickup trucks in a practice called “hot shot trucking.” Larger flatbeds, however, require a semi-tractor to haul them. These trailers are produced in various styles beyond the standard flatbed. Conestoga trailers feature a tarpaulin-covered frame, providing protection for cargo against hazards and bad weather. Lowboy trailers, on the other hand, have a lowered bed section situated between the rear wheels and the gooseneck coupling that connects to the truck.
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Capacity

Full flatbed trailers are used for transporting large and/or very heavy items, like manufacturing equipment or raw materials. These will be secured with lumber, held down with winch straps or chains, and typically need a crane for loading and unloading. Conestoga flatbeds may also be loaded with pallets and can be loaded and unloaded from the sides. Lowboy trailers are often used for construction and agricultural equipment that can be driven on before being secured in place. Their design allows transport of taller loads and lowers the overall center of gravity, which improves stability and safety.

Reliable Delivery

Transport

Another advantage of flatbed trucking is its adaptability to various industries and transport needs. These trailers can accommodate both short-distance hauls and long-distance freight, offering reliable service for diverse jobs. Additionally, flatbeds can be paired with tarps, Conestoga covers, or other protective systems to shield cargo from weather exposure, providing the same level of care as enclosed trailers when necessary. For businesses requiring frequent or heavy shipments, flatbed trucking delivers a practical, time-saving, and cost-effective transportation solution, making it an invaluable asset across multiple sectors.

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Loading

Loading flatbed trucks requires careful planning to ensure safety and efficiency. Cargo must be evenly distributed to maintain balance and prevent shifting during transit. Securing the load with straps, chains, or tarps is essential to keep it stable and protected from weather or road conditions. Additionally, proper equipment like forklifts or cranes is often used to handle heavy or oversized items, making the loading process quicker and more precise. It’s also crucial to follow weight limits and height restrictions to comply with transportation regulations and avoid fines or delays. Drivers and loaders should conduct thorough inspections to verify that all items are secure before hitting the road
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Safety

Safety for flatbed trucks starts with proper securing of the cargo to prevent shifting or falling during transit, which can pose serious risks to both the driver and other road users. Regular inspections of straps, chains, and tie-down points are critical to ensure they remain tight and undamaged throughout the journey. Drivers must also be mindful of the truck’s height, width, and weight to comply with regulations and avoid collisions with low clearances or overloading issues. Additionally, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during loading and unloading helps reduce the risk of injury on-site.

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Tracking Technology

Incorporating advanced tracking technology with the flatbed trailers we use helps us avoid delays and provide clients with regular updates on the status of their freight. By combining real-time location data with detailed knowledge of road and weather conditions, our logistics team can optimize and revise vehicle routes as needed to meet the commitments we've made. By leveraging this technology, we ensure that our operations remain seamless, while clients gain peace of mind knowing their cargo is in capable hands.

Why Work with FullTruckload.com?

A Single Point of Contact

From booking to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated expediter guiding you through every step of the logistics process. Experience seamless, personalized support from start to finish.

Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365

With real-time updates and complete visibility, you can stay ahead of any potential delays and make informed decisions to keep your operations running smoothly.

Multiple Options

We proactively analyze ground and air traffic, anticipate weather challenges, and account for potential flight delays to keep your shipment on track. Our goal is to overcome any obstacles and ensure your deadline is always met.

Our Streamlined Process

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Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!
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shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.
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Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.
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real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.

Types of Vehicles

FULL FLATBED

FullTruckload.com's full flat bed vehicles can accommodate wide or mega-size loads, such as specialized equipment machinery of all weights and sizes. Measuring 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, our fleet of full flat bed vehicles can carry freight of up to 48,000 pounds.

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SPRINTER VAN

FullTruckload.com's expedited Sprinter vans have the capacity to meet your local, regional, or long-distance ground shipping needs. Measuring 8-12’ x 52” x 70", our carefully-selected vans have the capacity to carry loads up to 3,000 lbs.

8-12 ft long, 70 in High, 52 in wide, Non-Dock High, 3000 lbs

BOX TRUCK

We pride ourselves in working with trusted partners that offer carefully-vetted box trucks, from temperature-controlled vehicles to varying sizes that accommodate smaller loads. Our box trucks, or small straight trucks, measure 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and have the capacity to carry up to 5,000 pounds.

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STRAIGHT TRUCK

Measuring 22-26’ x 96” x 96”, our straight trucks can carry loads up to 9,000 pounds. Our large straight truck services offer focused logistics, professional drivers, and deeply-experienced expeditors to get your delivery where it needs to go.

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HOT SHOT TRUCK

We'll happily arrange for your freight to be transported via hot shot trucking services. We've proudly partnered with hot shot trucking providers across North America to give you access to carefully-vetted ground delivery vehicles for your time-critical freight.

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53' DRY VAN

Our fleet of 53-Ft dry vans can carry loads up to 42,000 pounds. Measuring 53’ x 99” x 102”, these carefully-vetted vehicles will ensure your time-sensitive freight arrives at its destination safely.

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SPRINTER VAN
BOX TRUCK
STRAIGHT TRUCK
HOT SHOT TRUCK
53' DRY VAN

THE FULL TRUCKLOAD PROMISE

8 AM

10:30 AM

12 PM

1:30 PM

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Full Flatbeds Service

Heavy industrial equipment isn’t the sort of thing you move without careful planning, so it shouldn’t need an expedited freight service. That can change though, if the contracted transport company suddenly decides they’re not up to the job.

This was the situation facing a Texas-based company in the asphalt industry. They’d arranged to ship an entire asphalt plant from North Carolina to their location in Mount Pleasant, Texas. They’d spent months planning the move, sent a team to the NC site, and committed to renting some very expensive cranes for loading and unloading flatbed trailers, only to be left in the lurch at very short notice.

Our team sprang into action, locating the right types of truck for the machinery and other equipment being moved, and getting it all on site as fast as humanly possible. Within a week we had all the major items moved, which was within the original time window, and let the client avoid huge additional costs for the cranes and people.

It’s not often that full flatbed trailers are used for expedited hot shot delivery, but when the need arises, we’re the people who can make it happen.
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Trusted by Our Most Valuable Partners

Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by FullTruckload.com can get you back in the air with the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. With a nationwide network of carriers and access to dedicated box trucks, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers, FullTruckload.com offers reliable and efficient transportation tailored to the aviation industry’s needs.
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Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is FullTruckload.com. From heavy machinery and building materials to specialized tools and equipment, our logistics solutions are tailored to keep your project on track. With a robust network of carriers and expertise in handling oversized, time-sensitive, and critical shipments, we ensure that every delivery arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.
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Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.
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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.
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Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as FullTruckload.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.
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Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.
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Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!
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Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.
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3PL

With today’s broken supply chains, even companies that specialize in logistics find themselves needing help. We provide an expansive network of expedited ground and air shipping options to make the trip in the air, to and from the airport, or complete the entire delivery on the ground. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.
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WHAT IS FULL TRUCKLOAD?

Full Truckload (FTL) refers to a freight shipping method where an entire truck’s cargo space is utilized for a single shipment. It is particularly suitable for large, heavy, or time-sensitive shipments and is often more cost-effective for high-volume freight.

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Dedicated Single Point of Contact

At the heart of FullTruckload.com is a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every shipment arrives on time, and in optimal condition, at its final destination. We offer the fastest ground and air transportation options for B2B customers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Get peace of mind with a dedicated single point of contact. We're with you along every mile of your journey. 

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