When freight is too tall, too wide, or too awkward to fit inside a dry van, it moves on a flatbed. Flatbed shipping uses an open deck trailer with no roof or walls, so cargo can be loaded from the side, top, or rear and can extend beyond the dimensions a standard van allows. It is the standard mode for steel, lumber, machinery, and construction materials.
This guide covers what flatbed shipping is, the equipment options, how cargo is secured and permitted, what drives the cost, and when open deck is the right call. For the bigger picture, start at our truckload freight hub.
Flatbed shipping moves oversized and irregular freight on an open deck trailer. It is the right mode for loads that exceed dry van height or width, or that must be loaded by crane or forklift from the side. Cargo securement, tarping, and oversized permits are the parts shippers most often underestimate.
What Is Flatbed Shipping?
A flatbed is a level, open trailer with no sides or roof. That open design is the whole point: it lets carriers haul oversized and irregularly shaped loads that will not fit inside an enclosed trailer, and it allows loading and unloading from any direction, including by crane or forklift. The trade off is that the freight is exposed to weather and must be secured and often tarped.
Types of Open Deck Equipment
Flatbed is a family of trailers, not a single one. The right choice depends on the height and weight of the load.
Standard flatbeds handle most general open deck freight. Step decks and double drops carry loads too tall for a standard flatbed, and lowboys handle very heavy equipment. Conestoga trailers add a rolling tarp system so weather sensitive open deck freight stays protected without manual tarping.
Cargo Securement and Tarping
Securing cargo on an open deck is critical and federally regulated. Loads are held down with chains, straps, binders, and edge protectors sized to the weight of the freight, following FMCSA cargo securement rules. Weather exposed freight is tarped to protect it from rain, road grime, and sun. Good securement is not optional, an unsecured flatbed load is a safety hazard and a claim waiting to happen.
Oversized or overweight loads need state permits, and the widest or tallest loads may require escort vehicles and travel only during daylight. Permit rules vary by state, so a multi state move can need several permits. Build this lead time and cost into the plan before you book.
What Drives Flatbed Cost
Flatbed rates start from the same per mile basis as any truckload move, then add for the specifics of open deck freight: the weight and dimensions of the load, any permits and escorts required, tarping, and special handling. Lane and capacity matter too, flatbed equipment is less plentiful than dry van. See our guide to full truckload rates for the full breakdown of what shapes a truckload quote.
When to Use Flatbed and How MFW Helps
Choose flatbed when your freight exceeds dry van height or width, must be loaded from the side or top, or is simply too large or oddly shaped for an enclosed trailer. MyFreightWorld matches open deck loads to vetted flatbed carriers with the right trailer and securement experience, handles permitting questions, and returns competitive pricing fast. If your freight does fit in a van, our full truckload shipping overview covers the standard option.
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Request an FTL QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum size for a flatbed load?
A standard flatbed legally carries freight up to about 8 feet 6 inches wide, 8 feet 6 inches tall, and 48 to 53 feet long, with weight up to roughly 48,000 pounds. Loads beyond those limits are legal but require oversized or overweight permits and sometimes escorts.
What is the difference between a flatbed and a step deck?
A step deck has a lower deck height than a standard flatbed, which lets it carry taller loads while staying under legal height limits. If a load is too tall for a standard flatbed, a step deck is usually the next step up.
Does flatbed freight need to be tarped?
It depends on the cargo. Weather sensitive freight like lumber or machinery is usually tarped, while steel and concrete products often ship untarped. Tarping adds time and cost, so confirm the requirement when you book.
Is flatbed more expensive than dry van?
Often yes. Flatbed equipment is less plentiful than dry van, and tarping, securement, permits, and escorts can add to the rate. The exact difference depends on the lane and the load.
Move Your Open Deck Freight With MFW
Flatbed shipping rewards carriers and brokers who know securement, permitting, and the right equipment for each load. MyFreightWorld handles all three so your oversized freight moves safely and on time. Explore the truckload freight hub or request a quote below.
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