What is a flatbed truck?

A large truck that has a bed that is completely open on all sides and does not have a roof or sides is called a flatbed truck. Typically, these kinds of trucks are employed for the purpose of transporting heavy loads that can withstand adverse conditions, such as rough terrain or inclement weather. They are perfect for carrying loads that are too wide to fit inside a truck with an enclosed body. They can be loaded rapidly and without difficulty for the drivers. However, not every flatbed truck is the same as the others. There is a wide selection of styles as well as sizes to choose from.

The application of a flatbed truck is widespread, and whether you work in transportation, construction, or general manufacturing, these trucks are essential to the operation of any fleet that you manage. The transportation of oversized loads or products with unusual shapes frequently requires the use of flatbed trucks.

Flatbeds are indispensable in the fields of towing, agriculture, and dumping; this is true even if the nature of your business does not require you to transport items that could be considered standard hauling materials, such as crates or steel. When determining whether or not a flatbed truck would be useful for your haul, factors to take into consideration include the size and weight of the load, as well as the requirement for loading and unloading/dumping aids.

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Let's get started: What Exactly Is a Flatbed Truck?

One of the things that can initially be confusing is the variety of sizes and configurations available for flatbed trucks. They all share a common feature in that they all have a hard, level base (the bed) that lacks a roof or sides to keep the load in place. When you get down to brass tacks, this is the only thing that unites them.

In any case, that's the only similarity there is. Some flatbed trucks have hinged side panels that can drop down or to be removed entirely. Drop-side trucks are the common name for vehicles of this type. In addition, there are flatbed truck variants where the poles on the side rails can be removed, making it easier to load and unload cargo. Stake trucks are the name given to these motor vehicles.

You can find flatbed trucks where the bed is firmly attached to the cab, but the more common variety has the bed on a trailer that can be pulled behind the truck. Specialty flatbed trailers have beds of varying heights, in addition to the more common types of flatbed trailers known as standard flatbed trailers, which have beds that are all at the same height. For instance, there are specialised trailers like the gooseneck, step deck, and double drop trailers.

Among the most frequently asked questions is, "How long are flatbed trucks?" Just to cut to the chase, no, that is not always the case. Flatbeds vary in length from a few feet to several. Standard trailer flatbeds typically measure 48 feet in length. Standard flatbed trucks have a width of 8 feet, 6 inches; if you need to drive a wider truck, you'll need a special licence.

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What Function Does a Flatbed Truck Serve?

The best option for transporting cargo that is either too big or has an unusual shape is a flatbed truck. There is simply no comparable alternative. Heavy equipment and machinery, construction materials, scrap metal, baled tyres, and super sacks are just some examples of the common types of cargo transported by flatbed trucks.

In general, anything that cannot be easily loaded into a trailer shaped like a shipping container. After all, a flatbed truck's versatility is what makes it such a useful and popular trailer option for businesses in so many different fields, from manufacturing to construction.

What Are the Basic Rules for Operating a Flatbed Truck?

Unfortunately, a flatbed truck's adaptability comes with a few extra constraints. Flatbed trailers have size restrictions not only in terms of their length and width, but also their height and overall weight.

In the majority of states, the total height of the trailer and its cargo cannot exceed 13 feet, 6 inches (13'6"). When loaded onto a regular flatbed truck with a bed height of 5 feet, the total height of the cargo, including any tie-downs and tarps, must be less than 8 feet and 6 inches. Oversized items are those that exceed the normal height and thus necessitate a permit.

Most freeways prohibit vehicles heavier than 80,000 pounds from using their lanes. It's crucial to remember that the aforementioned number accounts for the combined weight of the truck's cab, trailer, and cargo. Therefore, a standard 48-foot-long flatbed trailer with a cab weighing around 48,000 pounds can carry around 32,000 pounds of cargo.

If you hire an experienced trucking company, they can help you figure out what regulations may apply to your shipment and what steps you can take to keep your goods safe during transit.

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Most Common Uses of Flatbed Trucks

Customers are provided with a one-of-a-kind service by reputable flatbed transportation companies because they keep a high-quality fleet of trucks and make use of cutting-edge equipment for loading and unloading their shipments. When using flatbed trucks, cargo is loaded from the sides and the tops of the vehicles. This method of transporting goods is more versatile than others because it uses a surface that is flat and uninterrupted throughout. Because of these advantages, flatbed transportation trucks are able to carry a wide variety of freight.

You can see the value that this mode of transportation provides by taking a look at some of the more common applications of flatbed trucks. The items listed below are just some examples of what can be transported on a flatbed, although there are plenty of other possibilities as well.

Some of the most common uses for flatbeds:

Baled Tires

Each year, millions of tyres are piled up, which results in the production of waste, significant potential for fire hazards, and a breeding ground for insects and other pests. The creation of tyre bales is a step that can help in the fight against waste and the search for alternative applications for used tyres. Tire bales are repurposed for a variety of construction and other projects, including erosion control, road fill, impact barriers, terraces, and retaining walls, amongst others. Tire bales are created by compressing vehicle tyres and then banding them together with wire. About one hundred tyres make up a single bale, which has a total weight of about one tonne.

Building Materials

The term "building materials" can refer to items as commonplace as lumber or scaffolding, but it can also refer to a wide variety of materials that builders require, such as concrete, brick, steel beams and rods, and even materials of odd shapes that have been pre-fabricated. Building materials can also include pre-fabricated materials with odd dimensions.

Because the heavy materials can be loaded and unloaded by hand or by crane from any direction, the flatbed truck is not only the most common type of transportation for a load such as this, but it is also the most practical type of transportation. Trusses allow for the materials to be supported in a manner that allows them to hang over the edge of the flatbed. Some of these materials would not be able to fit inside of an enclosed box trailer.

The removal of scrap metal, wood, concrete, and other building materials from a construction site is typically contracted out to a third party service by construction companies, builders, and other sources. After that, the hauliers can transport the materials to recycling facilities, where the materials can be repurposed and sold, or even directly purchased by other companies or builders. Because flatbed trucks are significantly simpler to load and unload compared to other types of trucks, they are an excellent choice for transporting scrap materials away from construction sites.

Removal of Scrap Metal

It is common practise for construction companies and builders to contract with a service to collect and remove scrap metal from the construction site. The hauliers hired by the service then transport the scrap metal to a scrap metal recycling facility, where it is either sold and reused for a different purpose or purchased by another business. Flatbed trucks are perfect for this job because they are simple to load and unload, and in some cases they even have the capability to dump.

Equipment Hauling

In order to provide a more secure alternative to driving the equipment on the road to its destination, flatbeds are frequently used to transport tractors and other agricultural equipment, as well as military vehicles such as tanks and Humvees. In addition, components of aeroplanes or other large pieces of machinery can be transported and delivered on a flatbed.

If you spend enough time out on a rural highway, you will almost certainly encounter a flatbed truck transporting some kind of agricultural machinery at some point. They are also frequently used for hauling tractors and other heavy machinery like construction equipment, military equipment, and even military vehicles. Transporting heavy machinery to and from a construction site via flatbed hauling is a significantly more secure option than driving the equipment on public roads. Even the typical passenger vehicles that are used on construction sites can be transported on flatbeds.

Super Sacks

A flexible intermediate bulk container, also known as a Super Sack, is an industrial fabric bag with a load capacity of approximately 2000 pounds that is designed to transport dry products such as sand, fertiliser, grains, peanuts, or seeds. This type of bag is also known as a flexible intermediate bulk container. When loading and transporting a Super Sack, you can either load it on a pallet or use the loops on the bag to lift it onto the truck. This can be done in either order. In both the United States and Thailand, Super Sacks stuffed with sand are frequently used in the role of flood barriers.

Flatbed

According to Great Western Transportation, flatbed trucks are one of the most widely utilised types of trucks because of their extensive range of capabilities. Because this kind of truck can be loaded from any direction, it has become an essential component of the trucking industry. The following are the maximum values for this truck's weight and dimensions:

• Freight weight: 48,000 pounds
• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 8 feet 6 inches

You'll see this truck being used for abnormally sized or shaped cargo, constructional steelwork, and machinery.

Step Deck

Trailers with a step-deck, also called a drop deck, have a top deck in addition to a bottom deck. They are used for cargo that cannot be transported on a standard flatbed because of its height or width requirements. The weight and dimensions of this truck are the same as those of Great Western Transportation:

• Max freight weight: 48,000 pounds
• Bottom deck length: 37 feet
• Topdeck length: 11 feet
• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Bottom deck height: 10 feet

Even when carrying a substantial load, a vehicle of this design can squeeze under relatively low bridges because the load is carried at a lower height. When you are standing on the ground, loading ramps typically make it simple to get on and off the bed of the truck.

Extendable Flatbeds

According to the truck drivers we spoke with, extendable flatbeds can also be referred to as flatbed stretch trailers. Transporting cargo that is too long to fit on a conventional flatbed can be accomplished with the help of these extendable trailers. This truck is allowed to have the following maximum legal weight and dimensions:

• Maximum freight weight: 43,000 pounds
• Minimum length: 48 feet
• Maximum length: 80 feet
• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 8 feet 6 inches

This truck has the capacity to haul freight without causing any overhang thanks to its extendable bed. Even though a certain amount of overhang is allowed, larger loads may require a permit and escort vehicles in certain circumstances.

Stretch Single-Drop Deck

Although it is a drop deck, the stretch single-drop deck operates in a manner that is analogous to that of the extendable flatbed. Therefore, in the same way that the extendable flatbed can lengthen, the stretch deck can lengthen to accommodate cargo that is too long to fit on a standard step deck. This indicates that it can carry loads that a conventional drop deck cannot legally carry. Its weight and dimensions, according to the law, are as follows:

• Maximum freight weight: 45,000 pounds
• Main deck minimum length: 35 feet
• Main deck maximum length: 63 feet
• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 10 feet
• Front deck length: 10 feet

If you have a stretch single-drop deck, you can secure large loads by attaching a bulkhead to the front of the deck. When the brakes are applied heavily, this will prevent the cargo from becoming dislodged. The objective is to get the cargo to curve around so that it goes over the cab of the truck rather than into it.

Double Drop

You are able to load oversize freight if you have a trailer with two drops. It is able to handle items that are higher than 30 metres (10 feet). The website Trucking Truth explains that in addition to a front and back deck, these trailers also have a well in the middle that is capable of accommodating tall freight. The typical length of this well is somewhere between 25 and 29 feet. The following are the weight and measurement specifications for this trailer:

• Maximum freight weight: 36,000 to 42,000 pounds
• Main deck length: 25 feet to 29 feet
• Main deck width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Main deck height: 11 feet 6 inches
• Front deck length: 10 feet
• Front deck width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Front deck height: 8 feet 6 inches
• Rear deck length: 9 feet
• Rear deck width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Rear deck height: 10 feet

The space available for loading cargo is, in fact, reduced due to the well. In addition, this kind of trailer is typically utilised for the transportation of cargo that is loaded and unloaded with the assistance of a crane.

RGN

Truck drivers say that the abbreviation RGN refers to a trailer with a removable gooseneck. These trailers are so adaptable that they can be used to transport tall and long loads in addition to large pieces of machinery. This trailer is able to be detached, making it possible to lower it to the ground below. It converts the front of the trailer into a ramp that can be utilised for driving heavy machinery directly up onto the deck of the trailer. You will be able to transport cargo that conforms to the following specifications regarding weight and dimensions:

• Maximum freight weight: 42,000 pounds
• Main deck length: 29 feet
• Main deck width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Main deck height: 11 feet 6 inches
• Front deck length: 10 feet
• Front deck width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Front deck height: 8 feet 6 inches
• Rear deck length: 9 feet
• Rear deck width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Rear deck height: 10 feet

You'll find these trailers are designed with anywhere from three axles up to as many as 20, which helps them deliver incredible payloads.

Side-Kit

Side-kit trailers have stakes and panels all the way around the bed, as well as curved metal spines that are shaped like bows. This provides some structure to it so that you can attach tarps to it as needed, thereby creating a trailer that can protect cargo that cannot be exposed to the elements. The following is a list of its dimensions and weight restrictions:

• Maximum freight weight: 45,000 pounds
• Length: 48 or 53 feet
• Width: 8 feet 4 inches
• Height: 8 feet 6 inches

Lowboys

When you have cargo that is too tall for even a step-deck trailer to handle, you will need to contact a company that can provide you with a lowboy trailer. This kind of trailer is very similar to the step-deck style, but the only reason it could be called a double drop is because it sits even lower than a regular drop deck trailer. Because they are only 18 inches off the ground, lowboys are able to transport freight that has a clearance height of up to 11 feet 6 inches.

It's not true that all flatbed trucks are built the same. The flatbed that is required to transport your cargo safely and securely can be determined with the help of this guide.

Wide Load vs. Oversize Load

When talking about flatbed trucks, it is impossible to avoid discussing wide loads and oversize loads at some point. There are a lot of people who are confused about the distinction between the two terms. However, it is not nearly as complicated as it may seem. You only need to keep in mind one fundamental idea, which is that while all oversize loads are wide loads, not all wide loads are oversize loads.

Any load that is wider than the maximum permissible width for cargo in a given state is referred to as a wide load. When transporting any cargo on a highway in the United States that is wider than 8 feet and five inches, nearly all states require a special permit, as well as appropriate signage and flags. If the width of a load is greater than 12 feet, the majority of states require an additional escort vehicle or possibly even a police escort to be able to drive through certain areas.

On the other hand, a load is considered to be oversize if it is either wider, higher, or heavier than what is typically allowed to travel through the region. When transporting oversize loads, a permit is required, and in some cases, an escort is also required.

It is against the law in many states to operate a vehicle that is pulling an oversize trailer at any time that is not during daylight hours. Truck drivers in states that do not prohibit driving at night must comply with all safety regulations pertaining to additional lighting, including those governing the colour of the light and its placement.

Trucks with flat beds are essential pieces of machinery for a wide range of businesses, including those in the construction and manufacturing sectors as well as the transportation sector. They are frequently used for transporting loads that are either unusual in size or shape, but they also have a wide variety of other applications, which makes them extremely versatile and valuable.

Conclusion

Towing, farming, and dumping are just some of the many industries where flatbeds are crucial. You can pick from many different variations and sizes. Loading and unloading are simplified with the availability of flatbed truck variants with detachable poles on the side rails. A flatbed truck is ideal for hauling items that are too large or have an unusual shape to fit in a conventional truck bed. Anything that cannot be easily loaded into a shipping container-shaped trailer can be transported on a flatbed.

In addition to length and width, height and weight are also limited. The weight limit for most freeways is 80,000 pounds. Trucks with flat beds can transport many different types of cargo. The most common cargo for flatbed trucks is bales of tyres and construction supplies. Reliable flatbed transportation firms provide customers with one-of-a-kind service.

Typically, a construction site will hire an outside company to collect and haul away the waste generated during the demolition and renovation process. Because of their versatility as both transport and storage containers, flatbed trucks are ideally suited for this task. In the transportation sector, flatbed trucks are among the most frequently used vehicles. Super Sacks, which are flexible intermediate bulk containers, can also be hauled on the back of a truck. Expandable flatbeds are also known as flatbed stretch trailers.

The extendable bed of this truck makes it possible to transport goods with no unnecessary overhang. The stretch single-drop deck functions similarly to an expanding flatbed. If your trailer has two drops, you can transport freight that is too large for a single drop. These trailers can have as few as three axles or as many as twenty. Tall and long loads, in addition to heavy machinery, can be moved with ease.

A stake and panel system surrounds the bed of a side-kit trailer. It is possible to load and unload cargo with a clearance height of up to 11 feet and 6 inches on a lowboy. Using this manual as a reference, you can figure out the size of the flatbed needed to transport your cargo without risk. A permit is needed to transport oversize loads, and an escort may be necessary. During the hours of darkness, it is illegal to drive a vehicle that is towing an oversized trailer in many states. In states where nighttime trucking is legal, drivers are still responsible for following all applicable safety rules.

Content Summary

• When using flatbed trucks, cargo is loaded from the sides and the tops of the vehicles.
• Because of these advantages, flatbed transportation trucks are able to carry a wide variety of freight.
• The removal of scrap metal, wood, concrete, and other building materials from a construction site is typically contracted out to a third party service by construction companies, builders, and other sources.
• Because flatbed trucks are significantly simpler to load and unload compared to other types of trucks, they are an excellent choice for transporting scrap materials away from construction sites.
• It is common practise for construction companies and builders to contract with a service to collect and remove scrap metal from the construction site.
• Transporting heavy machinery to and from a construction site via flatbed hauling is a significantly more secure option than driving the equipment on public roads.
• Transporting cargo that is too long to fit on a conventional flatbed can be accomplished with the help of these extendable trailers.
• Although it is a drop deck, the stretch single-drop deck operates in a manner that is analogous to that of the extendable flatbed.
• Therefore, in the same way that the extendable flatbed can lengthen, the stretch deck can lengthen to accommodate cargo that is too long to fit on a standard step deck.
• You are able to load oversize freight if you have a trailer with two drops.
• The website Trucking Truth explains that in addition to a front and back deck, these trailers also have a well in the middle that is capable of accommodating tall freight.
• Truck drivers say that the abbreviation RGN refers to a trailer with a removable gooseneck.
• It's not true that all flatbed trucks are built the same.
• The flatbed that is required to transport your cargo safely and securely can be determined with the help of this guide.
• Any load that is wider than the maximum permissible width for cargo in a given state is referred to as a wide load.
• Trucks with flat beds are essential pieces of machinery for a wide range of businesses, including those in the construction and manufacturing sectors as well as the transportation sector.