Flatbed Shipping 101: What Can and Cannot Be Shipped on a Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers are the workhorses of the freight industry for cargo that does not fit inside a standard enclosed trailer. If your shipment is too tall, too wide, too heavy, or irregularly shaped for a dry van, a flatbed is likely your solution. This guide covers the basics of what flatbed shipping involves, what types of cargo it handles, and what you should expect from pricing.

What Is a Flatbed Trailer?

A flatbed trailer is an open trailer with no sides, roof, or doors. The flat loading surface is typically 48 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, with a maximum legal height of 8.5 feet above the deck. The open design allows cargo to be loaded from the top or sides using cranes, forklifts, or other heavy equipment, which is not possible with enclosed trailers that require rear-door loading.

Standard flatbed trailers have a weight capacity of approximately 48,000 pounds, though the exact limit depends on the trailer configuration and axle setup. Step-deck (also called drop-deck) flatbeds offer additional height clearance by lowering the rear section of the deck, making them suitable for taller cargo that would exceed legal height limits on a standard flat.

Common Flatbed Cargo Types

Flatbed trailers are used across multiple industries for cargo that shares one or more of these characteristics: it is oversized, heavy, rigid, or needs to be loaded from above. Common examples include:

• Construction materials: Steel beams, lumber bundles, concrete barriers, precast panels, roofing materials, and pipe
• Heavy equipment: Generators, compressors, industrial machinery, HVAC units, and manufacturing equipment
• Vehicles and equipment: Forklifts, skid steers, tractors, and other wheeled equipment that can be driven onto the deck
• Building supplies: Drywall, plywood, insulation bundles, brick pallets, and window frames
• Industrial products: Coiled steel, structural steel, metal fabrications, and large manufactured components

What Cannot Be Shipped on a Flatbed

Flatbeds are not suitable for cargo that requires climate control, protection from weather, or containment. Loose bulk materials like grain, sand, or gravel require dump trailers or hopper trailers. Temperature-sensitive goods like food or pharmaceuticals require refrigerated trailers. Small packaged goods that could shift or blow off the open deck should go in an enclosed van.

If your cargo is weather-sensitive but too large for a van, tarping is an option. Most flatbed carriers offer tarp service as an accessorial charge, typically ranging from $75 to $150 per load. The tarp protects against rain, dust, and road debris during transit.

How Flatbed Loads Are Secured

Federal regulations require that every flatbed load be properly secured to prevent shifting during transit. The specific securement method depends on the cargo type, but standard practices include chains and binders for heavy items like steel and equipment, straps and edge protectors for bundled or palletized goods, and blocking and bracing for items that could roll or slide.

Drivers are responsible for inspecting load securement before departure and at every stop. At Dogan Logistics LLC, our drivers carry a full set of chains, binders, straps, corner protectors, and tarps on every flatbed run. Proper securement is not optional, as it is a federal safety requirement and a condition of our cargo insurance coverage.

Flatbed Shipping Costs

Flatbed rates in the Southeast typically range from $1.80 to $3.50 per mile, depending on the route, cargo type, and current market conditions. A 300-mile flatbed haul from Boiling Springs to Atlanta might cost between $600 and $1,050. Factors that increase the rate include oversized permits, escort vehicles for wide loads, tarping, and specialized equipment like step-decks or stretch trailers.

For a flatbed quote tailored to your specific shipment, contact Dogan Logistics LLC with your cargo details, origin, destination, and preferred timeline. We will provide a complete written estimate that includes all accessorial charges.