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Flatbed Transport

The workhorse. A level 48–53 ft deck, loadable from every side and the top, for steel, lumber, machinery, and any freight that fits legal height — plus plenty that runs over-width.

Quick answer: A flatbed is an open, level trailer (typically 48–53 ft) with no sides, loaded by crane or forklift from any direction. It carries legal-height freight and over-width loads — steel, lumber, pipe, machinery, and building materials.

What is a Flatbed?

With no walls or roof, a flatbed loads from the sides, the rear, or straight down by crane — the most flexible open-deck option there is. It carries freight up to about 8'6" tall and 8'6" wide legally, and we permit and flag anything that runs wider.

Flatbeds are the default for anything that doesn't need extra height clearance: structural steel, pipe, lumber, pallets of building material, and machinery within legal height. When freight gets taller, we step up to a step-deck or double-drop.

Deck length
48–53 ft
Legal height
~8'6"
Legal width
~8'6"
Loading
Any side / top

What we move on a Flatbed

Steel, Pipe & Rebar

Long, heavy material loaded from the side or top

Lumber & Building Materials

Palletized and banded freight

Machinery (legal height)

Equipment that fits under 8'6"

Over-Width Freight

Wide loads permitted and flagged

Flatbed FAQs

What does a flatbed trailer carry?

Open-deck freight loaded from any direction — steel, pipe, lumber, building materials, and machinery that fits within legal height. It's the most versatile trailer for freight that doesn't need extra clearance.

Can a flatbed haul oversize loads?

Yes — flatbeds handle over-width freight with permits and flags. For over-height freight we move to a step-deck or double-drop to keep it legal.

How tall can flatbed freight be?

Because the deck rides about 5 ft up, flatbed freight is generally capped near 8'6" tall to stay under the 13'6" legal limit. Taller than that and you want a drop trailer.

Do you secure and tarp flatbed loads?

Yes — proper securement to the working load limit, plus tarping where the freight or weather calls for it.

Other heavy-haul trailers

Related field guide: How to Secure a Load on a Flatbed →

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