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    April 5, 20268 min read

    Flatbed Shipping: The Complete Guide for Shippers

    Flatbed truck carrying steel beams secured with chains on a highway

    What Is Flatbed Shipping?

    Flatbed shipping uses open trailers with no sides, roof, or doors, just a flat platform. This makes them ideal for oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped freight that can't be loaded through the back of an enclosed trailer.

    Common flatbed freight includes:

  1. Steel beams, coils, and pipes
  2. Construction equipment and machinery
  3. Lumber and building materials
  4. Large industrial components
  5. Military and government equipment

    6. Types of Flatbed Trailers

    Standard Flatbed

  6. Deck length: 48' or 53'
  7. Max weight: ~48,000 lbs
  8. Deck height: 60" from ground
  9. Best for freight that can be loaded from the side or top via crane or forklift

    10. Step Deck (Drop Deck)

  10. Upper deck: ~11' | Lower deck: ~37'
  11. Deck height: 38–42" (lower deck)
  12. Ideal for taller freight that exceeds standard flatbed height limits
  13. No permits needed for loads up to 10' high

    14. RGN (Removable Gooseneck)

  14. Deck height: As low as 18" from ground
  15. The gooseneck detaches so equipment can be driven onto the trailer
  16. Best for heavy machinery, excavators, and oversized equipment
  17. Often used for loads requiring oversize/overweight permits

    18. Conestoga

  18. A flatbed with a retractable tarp system (like a rolling curtain)
  19. Provides weather protection while allowing side/top loading
  20. Great for freight that needs flatbed access but weather protection

    21. Securement Requirements

    Flatbed loads must comply with FMCSA cargo securement rules. Key requirements:

  21. Minimum of one tie-down per 10 feet of cargo
  22. Chains, straps, or binders rated for the load weight
  23. Edge protectors to prevent strap damage on sharp edges
  24. Tarping when required: standard tarps, lumber tarps, or smoke tarps

    25. Tarping Costs

    Tarping is an additional service and typically costs $75– 50 per load depending on the number of pieces and tarp type required. Always confirm tarping needs when requesting a quote.

    Permits and Escorts

    Oversized loads (exceeding 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, or 53' long) require special permits. Depending on the state and load dimensions:

  25. Single-trip permits: for one-time oversized movements
  26. Annual permits: for regular oversized freight
  27. Pilot cars / escort vehicles: required for super loads or specific states
  28. Route surveys: for extremely large or heavy equipment

    29. Your Shipping Guy handles all permit coordination and route planning for oversized flatbed loads.

    Flatbed Shipping Costs

    Flatbed rates are typically 20–40% higher than dry van rates due to:

  29. Specialized equipment and driver skills
  30. Loading/unloading time (crane, forklift coordination)
  31. Securement labor and materials
  32. Tarping requirements
  33. Permit costs for oversized loads

    34. Tips for Shippers

  34. Provide accurate dimensions and weight: this determines trailer type and permits
  35. Confirm loading/unloading equipment at origin and destination
  36. Specify tarping requirements upfront
  37. Allow extra transit time for oversized loads needing permits
  38. Take photos of your freight, helps carriers prepare the right equipment

    39. Need a freight quote?

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