Find Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers in the U.S.

What flatbed trucking / open deck freight means

Flatbed trucking (open deck freight) moves cargo that cannot fit in a dry van because of its size, shape, or the need to load from the side, top, or by crane. These carriers haul freight on open trailers such as flatbeds, step decks, and lowboys, and are responsible for securing and often tarping the load.

When you need this type of provider

• Your freight is too tall, wide, or long for a standard dry van.
• You ship steel, lumber, pipe, or building materials that load by forklift or crane.
• You are moving machinery or equipment that must be chained and strapped down.
• Your load exceeds legal dimensions and needs oversize or overdimensional permits.
• You need weather protection on open freight and require tarping.

What to compare

• Trailer types available (flatbed, step deck, RGN or lowboy, Conestoga)
• Deck length and legal weight capacity
• Tarping capability and tarp types
• Load securement equipment (chains, straps, edge protectors)
• Oversize and overdimensional permit handling
• Pilot or escort car coordination
• Experience with your specific commodity
• Crane or forklift loading requirements at pickup and delivery
• Multi-state routing and lane coverage
• Insurance limits for high-value equipment

Questions to ask before requesting a quote

• Which trailer types do you operate, and what are their deck dimensions and weight limits?
• Do you provide tarping, and what is the added cost?
• How do you handle oversize permits and escort cars for overdimensional loads?
• What securement equipment do you use for my type of freight?
• Have you hauled this commodity before, and how do you protect it?
• What are your insurance limits, and do they cover the value of my equipment?