Flatbed Freight Shipping Guide: Equipment Types, Costs and When You Need an Open Deck

Not all freight is built to move inside four walls. For many shippers — especially in construction, manufacturing and industrial supply chains — standard enclosed trailers simply don't work. When freight is too large, too heavy or requires specialized loading, flatbed freight becomes the most practical and often the only viable solution.

But flatbed shipping isn't just "open trailer vs. closed trailer." It introduces a different level of complexity, from equipment selection and securement requirements to weather exposure and regulatory compliance. Making the wrong decision can lead to delays, added costs or even safety risks.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about flatbed freight, including equipment types, cost drivers, compliance considerations and when open-deck shipping makes the most sense so you can move complex freight with confidence.

What is flatbed freight? When open-deck shipping is your best option.

At its core, flatbed freight refers to cargo transported on an open-deck trailer without walls or a roof. That simple design creates a major advantage: flexibility. Unlike enclosed trailers, flatbeds allow loading from the top, sides or rear. This makes them ideal for freight that is oversized, irregularly shaped or requires crane or forklift access that a standard dock setup can't accommodate.

When flatbed shipping is required

In many cases, the decision to use flatbed shipping isn't optional. It's dictated by the physical characteristics of the freight.

You'll need open-deck equipment when:

• Freight exceeds standard trailer dimensions
• Cargo cannot be loaded through rear doors
• Loading requires cranes or side access
• Items are too heavy or awkwardly shaped for enclosed transport

This is especially common with oversized freight, where width, height or weight pushes beyond what a dry van can legally or practically handle.

When flatbed is optional but still the better choice

Even when freight technically fits inside an enclosed trailer, flatbed may still be the smarter option.

For example:

• Palletized machinery may fit dimensionally but require top loading
• Jobsite deliveries may lack dock access
• Certain materials are easier and faster to load from the side

In these scenarios, flatbed shipping improves efficiency and reduces handling constraints, even if it comes at a higher base rate.

Common flatbed freight examples

Flatbed trailers are used across a wide range of industries, including:

• Construction materials like lumber, drywall and steel
• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Vehicles and large components
• Prefabricated structures and modular units

Understanding the cost tradeoff

Flatbed freight typically costs significantly more than enclosed van shipping. That premium reflects:

• Specialized equipment
• Additional labor for loading and securement
• Tighter capacity in the flatbed market

However, when used correctly, flatbed shipping often reduces delays, handling risks and operational inefficiencies, making it a cost-effective choice in the bigger picture.

For a deeper dive, check out GlobalTranz's Truckload Freight Services.

Flatbed Equipment Types: Standard, Step Deck, Lowboy and RGN Explained

One of the most important decisions in flatbed shipping happens before a truck is ever booked: choosing the right equipment.

Selecting the wrong trailer type can lead to rejected loads, compliance issues or costly rebooking. Understanding the differences between flatbed equipment types helps ensure your freight is matched correctly the first time.

Flatbed trailer comparison

Equipment Type	Deck Height	Max Freight Height	Best For
Standard Flatbed	~5 ft	~8.5 ft	General flatbed freight
Step Deck	~3.5 ft	~10 ft	Taller freight without permits
Lowboy	~1.5–2 ft	11–12+ ft	Heavy equipment
RGN	~1.5–2 ft	11–12+ ft	Drive-on machinery

Standard flatbed: the industry default

The standard flatbed is the most commonly used trailer for flatbed freight.

With a deck height of about 5 feet and a maximum freight height of roughly 8.5 feet, it works for a wide range of shipments — from steel and lumber to palletized industrial goods. If your freight falls within legal dimensions and doesn't require specialized loading, this is typically the starting point.

Step deck: solving height challenges

A step deck (or drop deck) trailer introduces a lower rear deck, allowing taller freight to be transported without exceeding legal height limits.

This is critical for shipments that would otherwise require permits under wide load shipping or oversized regulations. By lowering the deck height, step decks allow cargo up to approximately 10 feet tall to move legally without added complexity.

Lowboy: for heavy and tall equipment

Lowboy trailers sit much closer to the ground, making them ideal for extremely tall or heavy freight such as construction equipment, generators or industrial machinery.

Because these loads often exceed standard legal limits, they may fall into oversized freight or even heavy haul trucking territory, requiring permits and additional coordination.

RGN: built for drive-on equipment

Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers are designed for freight that can drive itself onto the trailer.

By detaching the front, the trailer creates a ramp — eliminating the need for cranes or external loading equipment. This makes RGNs the preferred option for moving construction vehicles, tractors and other self-propelled machinery.

Key takeaway:

Flatbed equipment selection isn't just about dimensions. It's about how the freight is loaded, secured and transported safely.
For more information, check out our resource on What are specialty freight services? Your guide to complex shipments.

Additional Flatbed Equipment Specs and Options Shippers Should Know

Beyond standard trailer types, a few key specifications and equipment options can significantly impact how flatbed freight is planned and executed.

Maximum trailer width

Both standard flatbed and step deck trailers have a maximum legal width of 102 inches (8.5 feet). Freight exceeding this threshold is considered oversized and will require permits.

Conestoga trailers: protection with flexibility

Conestoga trailers offer a hybrid solution between flatbed and enclosed shipping. Using a rolling tarp system, they protect freight from weather while still allowing side loading.

Typical Conestoga capacity includes:

• ~100 inches maximum width
• ~100 inches maximum height
• Up to 45,000 lbs.

This makes them a strong option for freight that needs protection but still requires the loading flexibility of an open deck.

Weight considerations

For standard flatbed shipments, 48,000 lbs. is the typical maximum freight weight for a legal load. Exceeding this usually requires specialized equipment or permits.

Flatbed vs. Enclosed Trailer: Cost, Risk and When Each Makes Sense

For many shippers, the biggest question isn't what type of flatbed to use. It's whether a flatbed is necessary at all. Choosing between flatbed shipping and enclosed trailers requires balancing cost, protection and operational needs. Understanding these tradeoffs helps avoid overpaying or under-protecting your freight.

Cost: paying for flexibility

Flatbed shipping typically comes at a premium, with rates 15–30% higher than enclosed trailers on similar lanes, according to some sources.

That cost reflects:

• Specialized equipment
• Additional labor
• Limited capacity compared to dry vans

However, trying to force freight into an enclosed trailer when it's not a good fit often leads to higher costs in the form of delays, rehandling or damage.

Weather exposure: managing risk

One of the most important differences is exposure.

Flatbed freight is subject to:

• Rain and snow
• Wind and debris
• Temperature fluctuations

While tarping can provide protection, it's not a perfect solution. Sensitive or high-value goods that require full environmental protection are generally better suited for enclosed trailers.

Security: visibility vs. protection

Flatbed loads are visible and accessible, which increases theft risk.

If your freight is:

• High value
• Easily resold
• Vulnerable to tampering

An enclosed trailer may be the safer choice.

Loading flexibility: where flatbed wins

Flatbeds offer unmatched flexibility in loading and unloading:

• Side loading with forklifts
• Top loading with cranes
• Easier access for irregular cargo

This is often the deciding factor in favor of flatbed shipping, especially in job site or industrial environments.

For more information, check out our resource on Managing Your Freight Costs with 3PL Freight Services.

Load Securement Requirements: FMCSA Rules Every Shipper Should Know

Flatbed shipping places a much greater emphasis on how freight is secured, not just how it's transported.

Unlike enclosed trailers, where cargo is contained within walls, flatbed freight relies entirely on external securement devices. That makes compliance with FMCSA load securement regulations critical.

Why securement matters more in flatbed shipping

Improperly secured freight can:

• Shift during transit
• Fall from the trailer
• Cause accidents or damage

Because of this risk, FMCSA regulations are strict and actively enforced.

Core FMCSA securement requirements

At a high level, regulations require:

• A minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length
• Securement devices with sufficient working load limits
• Proper distribution of weight

These rules ensure that cargo remains stable under normal driving conditions, including braking and turning.

Commodity-specific rules

FMCSA also outlines detailed requirements for specific types of freight, including:

• Lumber and building materials
• Steel coils and metal products
• Machinery and vehicles

Each category has unique securement standards that must be followed.

Shipper responsibility and liability

A critical — and often overlooked — fact: Shippers share responsibility for load securement.

If freight is improperly loaded at origin, liability may fall on the shipper, even if the carrier accepts the load. This makes proper planning and communication essential.

Documentation and communication

To reduce risk:

• Clearly define securement requirements on the bill of lading
• Communicate handling instructions in advance
• Confirm carrier capabilities

Strong documentation ensures alignment between shipper and carrier before the truck arrives.

Want to make sure your shipment is properly protected? Check out our guide on the Difference Between Interest Insurance and Cargo Liability.

Tarping, Height and Weight Considerations for Flatbed Freight

Beyond securement, protecting freight and staying within legal limits requires careful planning.

Standard tarp sizes

Flatbed tarps come in several common sizes depending on the shipment:

• 16' x 24'
• 20' x 27'
• 24' x 27' (industry standard)
• 24' x 36'

Choosing the right tarp size ensures proper coverage and protection during transit.

When tarping isn't an option

Some commodities cannot be tarped, particularly those with:

• Sharp edges
• Abrasive surfaces
• Protrusions that can damage materials

In these cases, alternative equipment like Conestoga trailers may be required.

Height limitations explained

The maximum legal height for truck, trailer and freight combined is 13 feet 6 inches.

For standard flatbed trailers, this results in a practical freight height limit of approximately:

• 8 feet 6 inches (8'6') for non-permitted loads

Anything taller will typically require a step deck, lowboy or permits.

Overweight load rules

While loads exceeding 48,000 lbs. may qualify for permits, there is a critical requirement:

• The weight must be a single piece

For example:

• A single 55,000 lb. machine may be permitted
• Multiple items totaling 55,000 lbs. must be split across multiple trucks

Failing to account for this can result in load rejections or costly delays.

Oversized and Overweight Loads: Permits, Escorts and Route Planning

As shipments grow beyond standard dimensions, the complexity of flatbed shipping increases significantly.
While many flatbed loads stay within legal limits, some cross into oversized freight or wide load shipping, which introduces additional regulatory and operational requirements.

Understanding federal legal limits

Without permits, flatbed loads must remain within:

• 80,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight
• 8.5 feet wide
• 13.6 feet tall
• 53 feet long

Exceeding any of these thresholds triggers additional requirements.

Permit requirements and state variations

Oversized loads require permits in every state they travel through.

These permits:

• Are state-specific
• Must be approved before movement
• Often include restrictions on travel times and routes

Escort vehicles and safety measures

For wider or longer loads, escort vehicles may be required to:

• Warn other drivers
• Assist with navigation
• Ensure safe passage

Route planning considerations

Oversized freight must follow carefully planned routes that account for:

• Bridge weight limits
• Overhead clearances
• Road restrictions

Get more information in our blog on What to Do When Your Freight Gets Rejected.

Flatbed Freight Costs: What Drives Pricing and How to Get Competitive Rates

Flatbed pricing is more dynamic than standard truckload rates, making it essential for shippers to understand what drives cost.

Equipment availability and demand cycles

Flatbed capacity is closely tied to:

• Construction activity
• Infrastructure projects
• Industrial production

During peak seasons, demand spikes can tighten capacity and drive rates higher.

Lane dynamics and regional differences

Certain regions consistently command higher flatbed rates due to:

• High demand for construction materials
• Limited return freight opportunities
• Imbalanced freight flows

Securement and tarping costs

Flatbed shipments often require:

• Chains, straps and binders
• Tarps for weather protection
• Additional labor

These can add significant cost to total shipping costs.

Deadhead and backhaul opportunities

Flatbed carriers frequently travel empty on return trips.

Shippers who can align with these lanes may benefit from:

• Lower rates
• More flexible capacity

Strategies to reduce flatbed shipping costs

• Plan shipments ahead of peak demand
• Provide precise freight details
• Stay flexible with timing
• Leverage a 3PL for access to broader carrier networks

Want to save on freight shipping? Get a quote from GlobalTranz.

Working with a 3PL for Flatbed Shipping: Why Specialized Freight Needs Expert Coordination

Flatbed shipping introduces more variables than standard freight and more opportunities for costly mistakes. For many shippers, working with a 3PL isn't just helpful. It's a strategic advantage. With a 3PL, you get:

Access to specialized capacity

A 3PL connects you with:

• Flatbed-specific carriers
• Equipment specialists
• Capacity in tight markets

Expertise in equipment selection

Matching freight to the right equipment is critical.

A 3PL helps prevent:

• Booking the wrong trailer
• Load rejections
• Delays and added costs

Compliance and coordination support

Flatbed shipping requires careful coordination across:

• Securement requirements
• Documentation
• Carrier communication

A 3PL simplifies this process.

Project-level logistics management

For multi-load shipments or large projects, gives you:

• Centralized coordination
• Consistent communication
• End-to-end visibility

For a more in-depth look, check out our FAQ on Third-Party Logistics Services & 3PLs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flatbed Freight