Flatbed transport companies offer one of the most widely used business-to-business shipping services nationwide. Entrusting your shipments to a flatbed carrier is a crucial decision, whether it's a daily, weekly, or monthly requirement. Our flatbed freight transport services are unmatched, driven by our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized service that outshines all other similar providers.
We handle loads, whether short or long haul, throughout Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, New York, Florida, and all continental states.
Additionally, we facilitate transport from U.S. origins to Canadian destinations and vice versa, ensuring expert, cost-effective, and personalized flatbed services that streamline your shipping operations and boost profitability.
Flatbed Trucking
Details on Flatbed Shipping Flatbed shipping stands as the preferred method for transporting items that cannot be accommodated in an enclosed dry van. Typical flatbed freight includes oversized equipment, building materials, and large machinery. Flatbeds offer greater dimensional flexibility, making them the safest choice for handling such cargo.
Flatbed trailers can be employed in various ways, accommodating almost any load. One of the key advantages of flatbed trailers is their ability to be loaded from the sides, top, or rear. When it comes to transporting your equipment or cargo, flatbed trailers are the most versatile option.
Streamlined Trailer Selection Our trailer selection guide assists you in determining the most suitable trailer for your freight. We offer various equipment and service options tailored to the specific needs of your cargo.
Trailer Selection
A standard flatbed trailer is the most common type, typically measuring 48 or 53 feet in length (with 48 feet being the more prevalent size). These trailers usually have a height of about 60 inches, allowing them to carry freight up to 8 feet 6 inches high without encountering restrictions from bridges or overhead wires. A standard flatbed can transport cargo up to 8 feet 6 inches in width without requiring special permits. Wider shipments may be transported on a flatbed but are classified as over-width and necessitate special permits. For loads exceeding 11 feet 6 inches in width, a Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (P/EVO) is required in most states. A P/EVO is a specially equipped vehicle with flashing lights or height poles that escorts the flatbed for safety reasons. Generally, over-width shipments are only allowed to travel during daylight hours, so it's important to consider potential delays when shipping an over-width load on a flatbed.
The allowance for an overhanging load on a trailer without a permit varies by the state through which the load is being transported. Typically, it is not permissible to combine multiple legal loads on a flatbed trailer to create one oversized load, nor can an oversized load that could be disassembled into multiple legal loads be transported in this manner (though there are exceptions).
RGN (Removable Gooseneck, Lowboy)
The RGN, also known as a Removable Gooseneck or Lowboy, is utilized for moving heavy equipment and serves various other purposes. This trailer type gets its name from its primary feature—the front of the trailer can be detached to form a ramp. RGNs are often used for transporting oversized loads due to their versatility in accommodating the size and weight of larger items.
Step Deck (Drop Deck)
Step Deck Trailers, also referred to as drop decks, closely resemble standard flatbed trailers. However, they are specifically designed to transport items exceeding legal height limits. Step Deck trailers often come with ramps for loading equipment that can be driven onto the trailer. They can carry cargo up to 10 feet 2 inches in height.
Stretched Trailer
Flatbed Stretch Trailers and RGN Stretch Trailers are specialized trailers capable of transporting extra-long loads. These trailers offer the advantages of a flatbed trailer while catering to oversized loads.
Double Drop Trailer
Double Drop Deck trailers feature an upper deck at the front and a rear deck. The section in the middle is often referred to as the well. These trailers are useful for transporting items that exceed height restrictions. Double Drop trailers can carry cargo up to 11 feet 6 inches in height.
Specialized Trailers Specialized trailers are designed for a wide range of equipment and scenarios where standard trailer types may not be suitable. These trailers are tailored to specific equipment requirements, as well as overweight and dimensional challenges.
Side Kit Flatbed A side kit is a 45 to 48-foot flatbed with removable 4-foot sides, widely used in the steel industry, particularly when overhead cranes are used for loading.
Flatbed trailers are highly versatile and suitable for various types of cargo. Below is a list of cargo categories well-suited for flatbed trailers:
- Auto Parts
- Military Vehicles
- Backhoes
- Building Materials
- Airplane engines
- CNC Machines
- Construction Equipment
- Conveyors
- Coolers
- Cranes
- Crushers
- Dump Trucks
- Excavators
- Fabricated Steel
- Firetrucks
- Forklifts
- Generators
- Lumber
- Mining Equipment
- Pipeline Construction and Replacement
- Raw Materials
- Refinery Equipment
- Scaffolding
- Skid Steers
- Solar Panels
- Steel
- Tank Farm Equipment
- Tile
- Towers
- Tractors
- Tubing
- Wind Blades
We provide our customers with access to flatbed capacity throughout the United States and Canada. We understand that every customer has unique requirements, and Georgia Forwarder can offer a variety of equipment types and sizes, along with essential components such as Conestoga covers, tarps, straps, chains, or coil racks.
We deliver a stress-free solution for basic flatbeds, step decks, double drops, RGNs, maxis, oversized loads, expedited shipments, and flatbed LTL, as well as the necessary permits and escort services. No matter what you need to transport, Georgia Forwarder has successfully handled it before and possesses the expertise needed to ensure your freight shipments are cost-effective and hassle-free.
Allow us to demonstrate that Georgia Forwarder stands as your top-tier trucking solution. Reach out to us for details about our comprehensive trucking services or to request a rate quote.
(770)605-9432 sales@georgiaforwarder.com (470)709-8628