May 13, 2025 | BY Dan Boaz

Flatbed Trucking Companies

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Flatbed trucking plays a pivotal role in modern logistics, which is why you see so many open-deck trailers on highways today. Unlike enclosed vans, flatbed trucks have no walls or roof, enabling them to haul oversized and unconventional freight that keeps supply chains agile. From construction beams to heavy machinery, flatbeds provide the flexibility to load cargo from any side and deliver to locations without loading docks.

This article offers a comprehensive look at flatbed trucking companies—how they operate, the advantages they offer, the industries that rely on them, and how shippers can choose the right carrier. By understanding these elements, logistics managers can better leverage flatbed services to improve delivery speed, reduce handling risks, and enhance overall supply-chain efficiency.

WHAT IS FLATBED TRUCKING?

Flatbed trucking refers to transporting cargo on open-deck trailers. Without roofs or sides, these trailers allow easy loading of large or awkwardly shaped items. Below we break down the basics of flatbed equipment, typical cargo, and the core skills involved in flatbed hauling.

Flatbed drivers must master load securement with chains, straps, binders, and edge protectors. Federal cargo-securement regulations dictate how many tie-downs a load requires and how they’re positioned. Drivers also learn safe tarping techniques to protect sensitive freight from weather. Additional gear—coil racks, dunnage, winches—helps keep loads stable. Carriers invest heavily in training and supply the proper equipment so that whether the freight is lumber or a 100,000-lb generator, it travels legally and safely.

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What “Flatbed” Really Means

Standard flatbeds are typically 48–53 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, with a deck about five feet high that can haul roughly 48,000–52,000 lb and freight up to 8 ft 6 in tall before over-height permits are required. Step-deck (drop-deck) trailers have a higher front deck and a lower main deck—around 3 ft 6 in high—so taller loads (up to about 10 ft) ride without permits.
Double-drop (lowboy) trailers contain a very low middle “well,” offering clearance for loads roughly 11–12 ft tall, though they carry less weight.
RGNs (removable goosenecks) detach at the front, forming a ramp so vehicles can be driven on. With additional axles or extendable sections, RGNs can handle extreme dimensions and weights.
Many carriers also operate extendable flatbeds for extra-long freight and Conestoga (curtainside) trailers that combine open-deck loading flexibility with the protection of a retractable tarping system. A diversified trailer mix lets carriers serve everything from standard pallet freight to super-heavy industrial equipment.

How Flatbed Trucking Companies Operate

Fleet Assets & Trailer Mix

Leading flatbed carriers maintain a versatile fleet: standard flatbeds for general freight, multi-axle lowboys for heavy haul, Conestoga trailers for protected loads, and extendable flats for long commodities like wind-turbine blades. Lightweight aluminum–steel hybrid designs maximize payload, and optional accessories—bulkheads, Moffett forklift kits—serve niche needs. The right trailer, deployed at the right time, allows carriers to accept a wide spectrum of loads and avoid turning away business.

Dispatch & Load-Planning Workflow

A load begins with a shipper’s tender describing dimensions, weight, origin, destination, and special requirements. Dispatchers match the load to available equipment and drivers using transportation-management software and digital load boards. They arrange permits and escorts for oversize moves, ensure securement gear is on the truck, and provide drivers with detailed instructions. During transit, GPS and telematics supply real-time visibility, keeping shippers updated and allowing operations staff to manage exceptions quickly.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Culture

Carriers must comply with Hours-of-Service rules, weight limits, equipment inspections, and cargo-securement standards. Electronic Logging Devices automate HOS tracking and contribute to reduced accident rates. A strong safety culture includes ongoing driver training, proactive equipment maintenance, and continuous monitoring of CSA safety scores. Shippers favor carriers with documented safety programs, low claims ratios, and transparent compliance records.

Technology & 2025-Era Innovations

Smart-trailer systems now monitor tire pressure, brake status, and load distribution remotely. Aluminum-steel hybrid frames cut tare weight, while mechanized tarping reduces driver injuries. AI-driven freight-matching platforms pair loads with nearby capacity, trimming empty miles. Route-optimization tools incorporate bridge-height limits and permit constraints for oversize freight, and carriers are piloting alternative-fuel tractors to meet sustainability goals.

Pricing Models

Most flatbed quotes follow a rate-per-mile plus fuel surcharge. Accessorial fees—tarps, multi-stop charges, detention, escort vehicles, permits—are itemized. For complex projects, carriers may offer fixed project pricing or dedicated daily rates. Transparent quotes detail the base line-haul, current fuel index, and expected extras so shippers can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Common Flatbed Cargo Types

Flatbed capacity is prized for its ability to move freight that won’t fit inside a van or container. From raw materials that feed the construction boom to turnkey industrial assets worth millions of dollars, the open-deck trailer is often the only practical over-the-road option. Because these loads are exposed to the elements and secured in plain sight, shippers and carriers must coordinate carefully on tie-down methods, weight distribution, and—where necessary—oversize permits.

Structural Steel and Lumber

Steel beams, rebar, piping, timber packs, and engineered wood panels form the backbone of the construction supply chain. These commodities are typically bundled in large, rigid units that crane operators or forklifts can drop straight onto the trailer deck. While most shipments ride “open” without tarps, drivers must protect edges with V-boards and ensure banding or strapping complies with FMCSA securement tables.

Heavy Machinery

Excavators, bulldozers, tractors, milling machines, and CNC equipment are too tall, wide, or heavy for enclosed trailers. Machinery is often driven or winched onto step-decks or lowboys, then chained at multiple points to keep its center of gravity planted. Because a single piece can weigh 50,000 lb or more, carriers frequently deploy multi-axle configurations and coordinate load-crew instructions with the shipping plant and receiver.

Oversized modules and prefabricated structures

Pre-cast concrete panels, bridge girders, storage tanks, wind-turbine blades, and even manufactured homes ship as indivisible units. These moves demand meticulous route surveys, state permits, and sometimes escort vehicles to navigate height, width, or length restrictions. The benefit to shippers is speed: delivering large assemblies intact reduces on-site construction time and labor costs.

Bulk and miscellaneous freight

Steel coils, copper or fiber-optic cable reels, pallets of bricks, bundled roofing shingles, or military equipment all share a need for secure, weather-exposed transport. Each product calls for its own securement aids—coil racks for metal, cradle blocks for reels, or chock blocks for wheeled vehicles. Flatbeds minimize handling touches, so these dense or irregular loads arrive in the same condition in which they left the shipper’s yard.

Industries That Use Flatbed Trucking

During transit, GPS and telematics supply real-time visibility, keeping shippers updated and allowing operations staff to manage exceptions quickly.

Manufacturing & Heavy Machinery

Manufacturers routinely ship industrial machines, presses, injection-molding units, and other capital equipment that dwarf standard van capacity in both weight and dimensions. Flatbeds (often step-decks or RGNs) allow factories to load these assets with overhead cranes or roll them aboard via detachable ramps, eliminating the need for costly disassembly.

Because these machines can be mission-critical at the destination plant, shippers value carriers with low claims ratios, ample insurance, and the know-how to block and brace high-value freight properly. Demand in this niche is relatively steady year-round, but spikes occur when factories upgrade production lines or when entire plants relocate, generating project-based surges that require dedicated flatbed capacity and tight coordination among riggers, millwrights, and carriers.

Energy (Oil, Gas, and Renewables)

From drilling rigs and coil tubing to oversized pressure vessels and wind-tower components, the energy sector depends on flatbeds for both routine supplies and monumental project cargo. Oil-field equipment often moves to remote pads accessible only by unimproved roads, while renewable-energy components—especially turbine blades and tower sections—require multi-axle or extendable trailers and detailed route surveys.

Activity in this vertical is inherently cyclical: oil and gas drilling programs surge or taper with commodity prices, and renewable-energy builds follow tax-credit deadlines and utility procurement cycles. Flatbed carriers that serve the energy market therefore maintain flexible fleets—step-decks, double-drops, RGNs—and strong permitting expertise so they can pivot from daily well-site resupply to moving a 200-ft blade across several states with escort vehicles in tow.

Construction & Infrastructure

Construction sites consume a constant stream of large, bulky materials—steel beams, rebar, lumber, scaffolding, concrete forms, and pre-cast bridge sections—that simply cannot fit inside dry vans. Flatbed trailers accommodate these items, allowing cranes or forklifts to drop loads directly onto the deck and enabling delivery straight to a job site that may lack loading docks.

Seasonal demand peaks in spring and summer when weather conditions favor building activity, so carpenters, project managers, and suppliers all rely on carriers that can scale capacity quickly. Because delays in material delivery can stall entire projects, contractors favor flatbed fleets with strong on-time records, specialized securement gear, and the ability to supply extendable or Conestoga trailers when weather protection or extra length is required.

Agriculture & Forestry

Agricultural producers and equipment dealers rely on flatbeds to move tractors, combines, balers, irrigation pipe, and fertilizer tanks—equipment that must reach farms on strict planting or harvest schedules. Forestry operations likewise depend on open-deck trailers to haul timber, sawmill machinery, and bundled lumber from remote logging sites to processors or export terminals.

Seasonality aligns with crop cycles: demand peaks during spring planting and fall harvest, when field machinery needs to be repositioned rapidly. Carriers serving this market must be adept at navigating rural roads, securing irregularly shaped loads, and timing deliveries to avoid muddy fields or off-road bottlenecks. Short-haul efficiency is particularly valuable here, as many moves are regional and require multiple daily stops.

Defense & Aerospace

Military agencies and prime contractors ship armored vehicles, missile batteries, satellite housings, and oversized aircraft parts—all of which exceed van dimensions and demand specialized securement. Flatbed carriers moving defense freight must hold the proper security clearances, maintain impeccable safety scores, and often comply with classified routing or blackout procedures.

Aerospace manufacturers likewise use flatbeds for fuselage sections, wing assemblies, and rocket components that are too large for rail or air transport. Although volumes fluctuate with program cycles, the loads are high-value and time-sensitive, making reliability paramount. Carriers that invest in air-ride trailers, low-deck heights, and real-time tracking technology position themselves as preferred partners in this tightly regulated, precision-driven sector.

Flatbed Trucking Services

How to Find a Good Flatbed Trucking Company

Flatbed trucking offers unmatched versatility for moving oversized, heavy, or awkward freight. The open-deck design accelerates loading, eliminates excess packaging, and enables direct delivery to challenging sites. Yet these benefits depend on partnering with a carrier that excels in safety, equipment quality, and industry expertise.

Clarify Your Transportation Profile

Measure your freight’s dimensions, weight, and special handling needs, then map out the lanes, volumes, and service windows you expect. Knowing these details up front lets you target carriers with the right trailer mix and geographic coverage.

Verify Compliance & Insurance

Confirm the carrier’s DOT operating authority and review its CSA safety scores to ensure a solid regulatory standing. Ask for a current certificate of insurance that shows at least $1 million in liability and cargo coverage equal to, or greater than, your shipment’s value.

Inspect Equipment & Securement Practices

Request photos or a yard visit to check trailer age, tire condition, and the availability of straps, chains, edge protectors, and tarps. Well-maintained equipment and ample securement gear signal lower risk of breakdowns or cargo damage.

Check Coverage & Network Density

Ensure the carrier runs consistent capacity in your origin and destination regions and can flex for seasonal spikes. A network that matches your lane structure reduces empty miles and supports stable pricing.

Evaluate Service Performance

Ask for on-time pickup and delivery statistics, claims ratios, and driver turnover rates. Carriers that track and share these KPIs tend to be disciplined, service-oriented partners.

Analyze Pricing Transparency

Study a sample quote to see the line-haul rate, fuel-surcharge formula, and accessorial fees—especially tarping, detention, and escort charges. Clear, itemized pricing minimizes surprise invoices and makes apples-to-apples comparisons possible.

What is flatbed trucking and how does it differ from other freight services?

Flatbed trucking is a mode of transport in which freight is carried on an open platform trailer with no sides or roof, allowing cargo to be loaded and unloaded from any direction. Because a flatbed truck freight shipment has no enclosure, it can accommodate over-dimensional or awkwardly shaped items—think machinery, steel beams, or prefabricated structures—that wouldn’t fit inside a dry van. The trade-off for this flexibility is greater exposure to weather and road debris, so loads must be expertly secured and often tarped to protect the cargo and comply with safety regulations.

Which types of cargo are most suitable for transport by flat bed trucks?

A flat bed truck shines when cargo is heavy, long, wide, or unusually tall. Common examples include lumber, rebar, generators, agricultural equipment, wind-turbine blades, and construction materials that ship in bundles or stacks. Because forklifts and cranes can approach from the side or above, shippers avoid the bottleneck of dock doors, making flatbeds ideal for job-site deliveries where there’s no raised dock.

How do flatbed trucking companies secure loads safely for transit?

Reputable flatbed trucking companies follow the North American Cargo Securement Standard, which specifies minimum numbers of chains or straps based on weight and length. Drivers inspect tie-downs at the 80-kilometer (50-mile) mark and at regular intervals thereafter. For sensitive freight, edge protectors, dunnage, and anti-slip mats distribute pressure evenly, while custom tarps shield the cargo from rain, snow, and UV exposure. Documentation of every securement check is kept onboard to satisfy roadside inspectors and protect all parties in the event of a claim.

What regulations govern load dimensions and weight in flatbed freight?

Each state or province sets maximum legal limits—typically 80,000 lb (36,287 kg) gross weight, 102 in (2.59 m) width, and 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m) height—but oversize permits allow exceptions. When planning flatbed freight moves, carriers model axle weights on scale diagrams, choose routes with compatible bridge clearances, and obtain permits for every jurisdiction crossed. Violations can trigger steep fines or force reloads, so precise measurements and route surveys up front save both time and budget.

How much does hot shot flatbed shipping typically cost compared with standard flatbed rates?

Because hot shot flatbed runs are expedited, same-day or next-day jobs, their per-mile rates are usually higher than those of scheduled line-haul lanes—often 15–35 percent more. Costs hinge on mileage deadhead, commodity value, difficulty of securement, and market demand. While you pay a premium, hot-shotting avoids plant shutdowns or construction delays that could dwarf transportation charges. Many shippers offset the price by bundling return freight or scheduling off-peak pickup windows when capacity is more plentiful.

What role do permits play when hauling oversize loads on a flatbed hotshot route?

On a flatbed hotshot rig—often a one-ton pickup with a 40-ft trailer—permits are still mandatory if the cargo exceeds legal limits. State DOTs may require pilot cars, lighted banners, or time-of-day travel restrictions. Because hot shot drivers operate on tighter delivery windows, they frequently work with permit services that can issue documents in hours instead of days, helping the load stay on schedule without sacrificing compliance.

How do professional drivers find reliable flatbed trucking loads?

Seasoned operators tap digital load boards, brokerage apps, and direct shipper contracts to uncover high-paying flatbed trucking loads. They filter by trailer type, weight class, and commodity to avoid mismatches and deadhead miles. Smart drivers also cultivate relationships with dedicated brokers in industries like steel and energy, creating a steady pipeline of shipments with consistent routing patterns.

What insurance coverage should shippers expect from the best flatbed trucking companies?

The best flatbed trucking companies carry at least US $1 million in auto liability and US $100,000–250,000 in cargo insurance, with higher limits for high-value machinery or energy projects. Many add contingent cargo policies and general liability to cover loading-dock incidents. Shippers should request certificates of insurance naming them as “additional insured” and verify policy dates before tendering freight.

How can shippers minimize delays when booking flatbed truck freight during peak seasons?

Start by securing capacity two to three weeks in advance and sharing accurate weights and dimensions so carriers can match the right equipment. During agricultural or construction booms, surge pricing is common, so provide flexible pickup windows or consolidate loads to improve trailer utilization. Aligning with a core group of carriers for recurring flatbed truck freight lanes builds loyalty that pays off when trucks are scarce.

Why are flatbed carriers popular for construction and energy sector projects?

Flatbed carriers offer site-to-site versatility—drivers can back into rough terrain, unload with a crane, and depart without the need for a dock or forklift. In the energy sector, they transport pipe, drilling rigs, and prefab skids that exceed van dimensions. Their open-deck trailers and specialized accessories—like bulkheads, coil racks, and winch tracks—make them the go-to solution whenever cargo size or shape pushes the limits of enclosed equipment.

WHAT IS HOT SHOT TRUCKING? AKA HOTSHOT TRUCKING

Modern business is all about strict timelines. Whether your field is manufacturing, extraction, retail, or research and development, your operations are bound to rely on activities that operate in tandem. The most minor of supply shortages can throw these activities off, potentially costing you thousands of dollars just for a few hours' delay. Success thus hinges on your ability to right the ship as quickly as possible after a supply shortage arises.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT SHOT TRUCKING

Industries We Serve

Modern day hot shot trucking provides the speed and exclusivity you need to meet the most demanding and time-sensitive shipping requirements. We use every resource, avenue, and channel available to ship your freight by ground or air. Designed specifically to address supply and distribution problems that arise without warning, hotshot trucking tactics involve coordinating a network of carriers in a variety of locations. By calling on the vehicles closest to your supply or distribution points, hotshot brokers can fill any sudden gaps in your supply network almost as soon as they happen. This minimizes the disruption to your business and allows you to quickly return to ordinary operations, weathering the storm without skipping a beat.

Automotive

The automotive supply chain already has significant challenges. Don’t let malfunctioning equipment stop the production line. Step on the gas with HotShotTrucking.com’s suite of services that will get you back in the fast lane. With HotShotTrucking.com, companies are devising shipping strategies to swiftly deliver critical parts and equipment — whether it's ground expedite service with sprinter vans, box trucks and 53-foot tractor trailers or air freight and air cargo.

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Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by HotShotTrucking.com can get you back in the air with prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. We are equipped with the expertise to navigate the complexities of shipping jet engines and other types of loads, and our network of hot shot drivers has extensive experience transporting aviation assets.

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Construction

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 HotShotTrucking.com. Whether in the air or on the ground via truck and trailer, we can connect companies to expedited freight services for the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

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Mining & Metals

From cranes to chemicals to excavators to conveyor belts, HotShotTrucking.com has the experience and industry know-how required for shipping sensitive, oversized, and hazardous equipment. Third-party hot shot trucking and logistics providers such as HotShotTrucking.com specialize in devising and implementing innovative shipping solutions, ensuring mines can swiftly return to operation. We’ll pick up your shipment, deliver it to the airport and receive it at the other end – providing hand-carried service as necessary or required.

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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money because of the high costs involved. With many manufacturers building to only just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed and expertise of freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain. We do all the logistical legwork to find the optimal solution for your job, whether it's an exclusive air charter or expedited ground shipping.

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Telecommunications

From servers to cell towers, information, voice, and data must flow to keep businesses, production, and the public online and connected. When equipment goes dark, depend on HotShotTrucking.com to get your systems flashing green again. This is where the speed and experience of trucking and freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can help. Our hot shot truck network excels at the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

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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 logistics partner like HotShotTrucking.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

Learn More About Oil & Gas

TOP

Flatbed Trucking Companies

WHAT IS FLATBED TRUCKING?

Get a Quote in Minutes for Your Time-Critical Freight Needs

What “Flatbed” Really Means

How Flatbed Trucking Companies Operate

Fleet Assets & Trailer Mix

Dispatch & Load-Planning Workflow

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Culture

Technology & 2025-Era Innovations

Pricing Models

Common Flatbed Cargo Types

Structural Steel and Lumber

Heavy Machinery

Oversized modules and prefabricated structures

Bulk and miscellaneous freight

Industries That Use Flatbed Trucking

Manufacturing & Heavy Machinery

Energy (Oil, Gas, and Renewables)

Construction & Infrastructure

Agriculture & Forestry

Defense & Aerospace

How to Find a Good Flatbed Trucking Company

Clarify Your Transportation Profile

Verify Compliance & Insurance

Inspect Equipment & Securement Practices

Check Coverage & Network Density

Evaluate Service Performance

Analyze Pricing Transparency

Dedicated Single Point of Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is flatbed trucking and how does it differ from other freight services?

Which types of cargo are most suitable for transport by flat bed trucks?

How do flatbed trucking companies secure loads safely for transit?

What regulations govern load dimensions and weight in flatbed freight?

How much does hot shot flatbed shipping typically cost compared with standard flatbed rates?

What role do permits play when hauling oversize loads on a flatbed hotshot route?

How do professional drivers find reliable flatbed trucking loads?

What insurance coverage should shippers expect from the best flatbed trucking companies?

How can shippers minimize delays when booking flatbed truck freight during peak seasons?

Why are flatbed carriers popular for construction and energy sector projects?

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