Flatbed trailers are the workhorses of the transportation industry, handling jobs that standard enclosed trailers simply can’t. Their open, accessible design makes them the go-to choice for many types of cargo, especially when size, shape, or loading needs don’t fit the constraints of a box trailer. Whether you’re new to the business or an experienced hauler, it pays to know which loads are best suited for a flatbed trailer—and why.
Here are ten of the most common loads you’ll see rolling down the highway on a flatbed:
1. Lumber and Building Materials
Lumber, plywood, drywall, bricks, and steel beams are classic flatbed freight. These materials are often oversized or too long for enclosed trailers and need to be loaded quickly from the sides or above.
2. Heavy Machinery and Equipment
From bulldozers and excavators to generators and cranes, heavy machinery is typically too large or heavy for standard trailers. Flatbeds make loading with forklifts or cranes a breeze and handle the weight without a problem.
3. Steel Coils and Pipes
Steel coils, rebar, pipes, and tubing are tough to fit into a closed trailer. Flatbeds provide the space and accessibility necessary for safe transportation, particularly when utilizing specialized racks or securement methods.
4. Construction Vehicles
Tractors, skid steers, backhoes, and other construction vehicles are regularly hauled using flatbed trailers. Their open design lets you load and unload quickly, often by driving the vehicle right onto the deck.
5. Prefabricated Structures
Modular buildings, sheds, and pre-assembled components require extra space and flexibility. A flatbed trailer’s open sides and extended deck make these unique loads easy to transport.
6. Large Industrial Equipment
Transformers, turbines, boilers, and other industrial gear often need special handling due to their weight or size. A flatbed trailer provides the capacity and loading options necessary for safe delivery.
7. Vehicles and Autos
Flatbed trailers are widely used to transport cars, trucks, buses, and even boats. The flat surface makes loading multiple vehicles simple, especially for dealerships or auctions.
8. Oversized Loads
Anything that’s overwidth, overlength, or overheight—think wind turbine blades, large tanks, or oversized crates—will almost always require a flatbed trailer and often specialized permits.
9. Agricultural Equipment
Farm tractors, combines, planters, and other large agricultural machines are difficult or impossible to fit into an enclosed trailer. Flatbeds provide the open space necessary for accommodating these bulky items.
10. Palletized Freight
When shippers need to move multiple pallets of heavy or oddly shaped goods, a flatbed trailer offers fast and efficient side or top loading, reducing the time spent at pickup and delivery points.
Why Flatbed Trailers Are the Right Choice
The common thread with all these loads is the need for flexibility, accessibility, and strength. If your business hauls anything large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped, investing in a flatbed trailer can expand your hauling capabilities and streamline your workflow.
Ready to find the right flatbed trailer for your business? Explore your options today and see how the right equipment can make all the difference.
