Flatbed Shipping: When Do You Need a Flatbed Trailer?



Flatbed Shipping : When Do You Need a Flatbed Trailer?

Let’s not sugarcoat it — shipping oversized or oddly shaped cargo is like trying to fit a mattress into a mailbox.

You can’t shove it in and hope for the best.

That’s where flatbed shipping saves the day.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really need a flatbed?” — or you’re just tired of getting hit with surprise fees and bad fits — buckle up. This post will break it all down, no fluff, no filler, and plenty of aha moments.

At The American Truck Inc., we help U.S. businesses tackle supply chain headaches with real-time tracking, reliable carriers, and freight solutions that don’t cost an arm and a pallet. If it doesn’t fit in a box truck, odds are we’ve moved it — flatbed style.

What Is Flatbed Shipping, Really?

Flatbed shipping isn’t just “trucks with no walls.”

It’s the go-to method for moving large, heavy, wide, or awkward cargo that wouldn’t survive a ride inside a closed trailer.

Think:

  • Construction materials
  • Machinery
  • Pipes, steel beams, lumber
  • Military vehicles
  • Prefab homes (yes, really)

A flatbed trailer gives you open-air flexibility. You can load from the top, sides, or back. Forklift or crane? Go for it. No cramped corners. No claustrophobic loading bays.

It’s shipping with breathing room.

When Do You Actually Need a Flatbed Trailer?

Here’s a quick test:

If you have to ask “How the heck do I get this into a truck?” — you probably need a flatbed.

But let’s break it down.

1. Your Cargo Is Oversized or Oddly Shaped

Standard dry vans have limited height, width, and access points. If your cargo says “No thanks” to traditional dimensions, a flatbed is your friend.

Got a load of steel rebar taller than your warehouse ceiling?

Flatbed.

Shipping a bulldozer with attachments sticking out like wings?

Flatbed.

2. You Need Side or Crane Loading

Dry vans and reefers only open from the back. That’s cute — until you’re stuck playing reverse Jenga with 12-ton equipment.

Flatbeds let you load from any angle — perfect for crane-assisted drops or side-loading situations.

3. Speed and Flexibility Are Mission-Critical

Flatbeds get loaded faster. No need to back into tight docks or wait for warehouse clearance.

For businesses on a tight schedule (construction crews, field service operations, or energy companies), every saved minute = saved dollars

Flatbed Rates: What’s the Damage?

Let’s talk money.

Flatbed rates are generally higher than standard truckload rates — but for good reason.

You’re paying for:

  • Specialized trailers
  • Experienced drivers
  • Permits for oversize loads
  • Securement equipment (straps, chains, tarps)

Rates can vary based on:

  • Load size and weight
  • Mileage
  • Loading complexity
  • Region and fuel prices
  • Time of year (yep, even flatbeds have a “busy season”)

On average, flatbed shipping costs between $2.75 to $3.50 per mile in the U.S., but don’t take that to the bank just yet.

Your best bet? Talk to a broker who knows the ropes (and owns some pretty solid rate sheets).

Need help comparing rates? The American Truck Inc. offers competitive flatbed quotes backed by vetted carriers who don’t ghost you when the roads get rough.

Types of Flatbed Trailers (And Why It Matters)

All flatbeds are not created equal. Let’s meet the cast.

1. Standard Flatbed

The vanilla ice cream of trailers. Basic. Reliable. 48 feet long and up to 8.5 feet wide.

Perfect for building materials, pallets, pipes, and large equipment.

2. Step Deck (Drop Deck)

Need a lower deck to carry taller cargo without hitting overpass signs? This guy’s your hero.

  • Upper deck: 5 feet
  • Lower deck: around 3 feet
  • Great for machines, tractors, or anything flirting with height limits

3. Double Drop

Got something really tall and weird? Enter: the double drop.

It’s got a “well” in the center that can carry cargo up to 11.5 feet tall — perfect for industrial machines or massive tanks.

Bonus: Drivers look like pros maneuvering this beast.

4. Removable Gooseneck (RGN)

Think of this as a flatbed that kneels.

The front detaches and allows heavy equipment to roll on. No crane needed.

It’s used for rolling freight like bulldozers, loaders, and anything you wouldn’t lift even with your gym membership.

Flatbed Mistakes That Cost Real Money

Let’s make sure you don’t blow your budget or reputation.

❌ Underestimating Height

You thought it was 8 feet. It’s 9’3”. Now you need permits and a pilot car.

Boom — $1,000 gone.

❌ Skimping on Securement

A tarp doesn’t count if it flaps like a cape at 65 mph.

Use proper tie-downs, corner protectors, and get the load tight.

Ignoring Weather

No sides = weather exposure.

That fancy, polished aluminum part you just shipped? It’s now rain-streaked and scratched because no one tarped it properly.

Rule of thumb: if it rusts, scratches, or breaks when wet — tarp it.

Pro Tip: Know Your State Rules

Flatbed shipping isn’t a one-size-fits-all across state lines. Different states = different oversize rules, curfews, and permit requirements.

Hauling wide loads through Illinois at night?

You’ll need more than good luck and a flashlight.

Here’s a solid external source to check:

FreightWaves Oversize Load Regulations

Knowledge = not getting fined.

Final Thoughts: Flatbed Shipping Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

When your cargo can’t play nice with walls, tight corners, or dry vans, flatbed shipping isn’t just convenient. It’s non-negotiable.

And knowing which types of flatbed trailers to use (and when) can be the difference between smooth sailing and shipping disaster.

If you're shipping machinery, long beams, oversized pallets, or anything that doesn’t belong in a cardboard box — flatbed is your lane.

But don’t do it alone.

Let a team who knows how to match your load to the right equipment, driver, permits, and price — without cutting corners.

Call in the Pros

At The American Truck Inc., we’ve helped countless businesses move odd, oversized, or mission-critical freight using the right trailer, every time.

No ghosting.

No lazy quotes.

No flatbed horror stories.

Just fast, honest shipping with real humans who know their stuff.

Need a trusted partner for freight or courier services?

Let’s move your business forward — one perfectly strapped load at a time.

Location: R833+3R Arpan, SD, USA

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