The United States Department of Transportation defines a flatbed truck as a “trailer without sides used for hauling machinery or other bulky items.” If you aren’t familiar with the process of shipping bulky items, you may wonder how you’re going to be able to get your bulky equipment, materials or goods to their destination. Fortunately, there’s Freight Rate Central which is partnered with all key Flatbed Trucking Companies in the US. We can arrange for all types of shipping, including flatbed trailer shipping, at an affordable price.
What Is Flatbed Trucking?
Flatbed trucking is exactly what it sounds like: hauling freight with a truck that has a flat-bottomed trailer and no side walls. This makes flatbed trucks capable of shipping oversized items that do not fit into a standard transport truck or dry van. Flatbed trucks come in both rigid and articulated models. Not only are flatbed trucks great for oversized machinery and goods, they are also extremely easy to load. The one disadvantage is that flatbed trucks don’t offer protection from rain, snow or other weather conditions.
Flatbed Truck Dimensions
To help you decide if flatbed trucking is your ideal shipping method, compare the weight and dimensions of your load with the max specs of a flatbed. Flatbed trailers can carry extremely large and heavy loads, with the maximum load for a large trailer typically being around 48,000 pounds. The exact length of a flatbed truck varies slightly depending on the type, but they tend to be between 48 feet and 53 feet long. The maximum shipping height in most jurisdictions is 8’-6”, which is a legally imposed restriction, even though they could technically haul taller shipments. Shipments with a load taller than 8’-6” will require a drop-deck, step-deck or double-drop flatbed. The general maximum width of a flatbed shipment is also 8’-6”, although wide loads/heavy hauls can be arranged. For loads that are wider than 11’-6”, an escort vehicle is required in most states.
Do I Need Flatbed Trucking Services?
If you’re unsure if shipping your load of freight with flatbed trucking is the ideal shipping method, hop over to our online quotation system. By filling out two separate quotes—one for a flatbed and one for another type of truck—you can easily find out which one is most cost-effective. Should your concerns revolve around whether your shipment can be safely transported in a flatbed truck, call us today and one of our knowledgeable service reps can help guide you to the most effective trucking method for your goods or equipment.
Our
Flatbed Trucking Rates
We have established contracts with over 100 major carriers to deliver our customers’ items to their location. Because there are so many options available, you can receive the best flatbed rates in the industry by choosing to ship with Freight Rate Central. You can even find out what rate is available by going online and receiving an instant quote for free. You’ll find that our prices are unbeatable!
Other methods of flatbed hauling that we provide include:
- LTL
- Air cargo
- Truckloads
- Intermodal Trucking
- Dry vans
- Refrigerated trucksIt doesn’t matter if your load is 100 pounds or 100 tons—if you have it, we can ship it. Freight Rate Central is prepared to handle your job, whether it’s a one-time shipment or a request for regularly scheduled pickup and delivery.
Best Among The Flatbed Trucking Companies
Don’t fall into the trap of paying too much for too little service. Take advantage of our online tracking system for all of your shipments. You’ll be able to get information on the status of your load without calling customer service. At Freight Rate Central, we strive to make your shipping experience a positive one. Go online to learn more about us or to use our instantaneous online quotation tool—or give one of our representatives a call today!
Get An Instant Online Freight Quote – Freight Shipping Services & Trucking Services
