Flatbed trucks and the flatbed loads for owner operators are common concepts in the daily tasks of dispatchers working with trucks. Both owner-operators and flatbed trucking companies often have numerous inquiries about the efficient utilization of space in these types of trucks.Â
First and foremost, a flatbed truck is a vehicle characterized by its distinctive design, featuring an open cargo bed without a roof or sides. The primary purpose of flatbed freight shippers is the transportation of a wide range of goods, especially those that surpass the capacity of enclosed trucks. A key hallmark of flatbed trucks lies in their specialized cargo bed design, which provides an ideal platform for accommodating oversized and broad loads. The absence of both a roof and side walls allows for the transport of cargo that exceeds the dimensions typical of standard trucks.
Additionally, the convenience of loading and unloading cargo stands as a prominent advantage of flatbed shipping. The design of the platform enables forklifts to approach the cargo bed from any side, streamlining these operations. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with heavy or bulky cargo, where efficient and prompt loading and unloading are crucial.
Trucking companies with flatbeds see extensive use across various industries, including construction, logistics, agriculture, and many others. Their robust build and capacity for transporting substantial loads render them indispensable for a wide array of tasks that require dependable and flexible transportation solutions.
What Is A Flat Deck Trailer?
A flat deck trailer, commonly referred to as a “flatbed trailer,” is an open trailer design extensively used for transporting a wide variety of cargo. Unlike enclosed trailers that feature walls and roofs, a flat deck trailer boasts a flat and unobstructed platform without sides or an upper covering. This design simplifies the process of loading and unloading cargo from any direction, making it suitable for transporting large, heavy, or unconventional items.
Flat deck trailers come in various sizes and widths and are available in both single-axle and multi-axle configurations. The absence of enclosing walls, along with an extruded aluminum flatbed deck and upper covering, grants these trailers remarkable flexibility. They can accommodate items that exceed the height, width, or length limitations of enclosed trailers.
Since there are no walls or roof, securely anchoring the cargo, often through the use of straps, chains, or alternative fastening methods, is of paramount importance to ensure safe transportation. It’s important to note that in many regions, the standard maximum load height on flatbed trailers is around 8 to 8.5 feet (2.59 m). How much can a flatbed haul? Common weight capacities for flatbed trailers can range from 8,000 pounds (3.63 t) to over 48,000 pounds (ca. 22 t).
In summary, flat deck trailers provide a practical solution for transporting a wide range of goods, particularly those that don’t require protection from the elements and can be securely fastened to the trailer’s flat surface.
How To Safely Transport Cargo On A Flatbed Trailer
Ensuring the safe transport of flatbed freight is a top priority, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols, standard procedures, and the utilization of necessary tools. Here are some recommendations to guarantee the secure loading and safe operation of flatbed trucks.
After loading the cargo evenly, flatbed transportation companies determine the necessary number of ties and their most effective positions.
When flatbed trucking, consider the following recommendations:
- Verify that chains, chain attachments, and straps effectively hold the load securely during transit.
- For delicate materials like plastic pipes or timber, opt for straps that offer gentle yet robust support to prevent potential damage.
- Consider investing in corner and edge protectors to enhance the resilience of the securing straps and extend their lifespan.
- Assess the load specifications: Evaluate the weight, dimensions, and characteristics of the cargo you intend to transport. This information will help determine the necessary strength and size of securing devices to firmly hold the load in place.
- Select suitable securing materials: Take into account the nature of the cargo and choose to secure devices made from materials compatible with it. For instance, certain types of straps or chains may be more suitable for securing heavy machinery, while softer materials may require more flexible and cushioned securing tools.
- Verify load regulations and standards: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and industry standards regarding cargo securement. Ensure that the chosen securing tools meet or exceed the mandated specifications in your specific region.
- Routinely inspect and maintain the securing devices: Proper maintenance of securing tools is pivotal for their reliability and durability. Regularly examine the chains, chain attachments, straps, and other components for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Promptly replace worn-out or damaged securing tools to maintain optimum cargo security.
- Verify the technical parameters and maintain an equitable load distribution. Refrain from exceeding your flatbed truck’s maximum load capacity, and uniformly distribute the load to prevent tilting or deviation.
- Comply with the guidelines: be conscious of the legally permissible height for a flatbed cargo load to ensure accurate distribution and securement; be well-versed in the procedure for covering a flatbed cargo load.
Loading An Open Flatbed Truck Safely
- Achieve balanced distribution: evenly distributing the total weight or maximum load on the flatbed trailer is critical. To ensure safe and legal loading in line with established standards, consider weight distribution, the overall vehicle mass (including the cargo and the truck itself), and the remaining weight supported by the tow hitch. Take into account load distribution factors such as tires, wheels, and axles.
- Inspect the cargo: even if someone else is responsible for loading the trailer, the truck driver bears the ultimate responsibility for its safety. If you’re the driver, inspect the load after driving the first 25 miles (ca. 40 km) to confirm the secure fastening of belts and chains.
By following these guidelines and adhering to best practices, you can safely transport flatbed truckloads and be the best flatbed company.
