What Is a Flatbed Truck? (USA Transportation Guide)
A Flatbed Truck is an open-deck trailer with no walls or roof, used in the USA to transport heavy, oversized, or irregular-shaped loads that cannot fit inside a standard Dry Van or Reefer trailer. Flatbed trucking is essential for construction, manufacturing, energy, and industrial shipping across America.
Why Flatbed Trucks Are Important in the USA
Flatbeds offer maximum loading flexibility because the freight can be loaded from the top, sides, or rear using cranes or forklifts. This makes them the best choice for large and heavy cargo that requires secure strapping and open-air transport.
Common Products Transported on Flatbeds
Flatbed trucks typically haul:
- Lumber & Building Materials – wood, pipes, steel sheets
- Heavy Machinery – excavators, tractors, forklifts
- Construction Equipment – concrete barriers, scaffolding
- Industrial Loads – coils, oversized pallets, generators
- Vehicles & Large Parts – cars, equipment components
Key Features of a Flatbed Trailer
- Open deck with no roof or sides
- Standard sizes: 48ft or 53ft
- Easy access for loading/unloading
- Specialized securement: chains, straps, tarps
- Handles oversized, overweight, and irregular freight
Types of Flatbed Trailers Used in the USA
- Standard Flatbed – Open deck, most common
- Step Deck (Drop Deck) – Lower deck height for taller cargo
- Double Drop Deck – Extra-low center for extremely tall loads
- Conestoga (Covered Wagon) – Sliding tarp system for weather protection
- Hotshot Flatbed – Smaller flatbed truck for urgent loads
Why Shippers Prefer Flatbeds
Flatbeds are the top choice because they offer:
- Easy loading access
- Transport of oversized and specialty freight
- Flexibility for irregular shapes and heavy items
- Strong structural support
- Multiple securement options
Flatbed Trucking Challenges (But High Pay)
Flatbed hauling requires more skill than dry vans or reefers because drivers must:
- Secure loads carefully
- Use tarps, straps, and chains
- Follow safety requirements
- Handle oversized permits
Because of this, flatbed loads pay higher rates across the USA.
Flatbed from a Dispatching Perspective
For dispatch companies like yours, flatbed offers:
- High-paying loads
- Strong demand in construction and industrial sectors
- Good income for owner-operators
- Less competition than dry vans
Dispatchers manage:
- Securement instructions
- Tarp requirements
- Oversized permits
- Appointment scheduling