Why Should You Work with a Flatbed-Only Trucking Company?
If you find yourself in the business of transporting oversized, irregularly shaped, or difficult-to-handle freight, choosing the right shipping method and company to handle it is crucial. Working with carriers that have a diverse trailer range may mean more options for the type of freight they can take on, but it could potentially lead to key details being overlooked.
Melton Truck Lines specializes in flatbed trailers and the multitude of load types they can carry. We offer specialized services for over-dimensional and irregularly shaped freight and employ expert handling from pickup to delivery.
Here are some reasons why working with a flatbed company may be the best choice for your shipping needs:
Expertise in Flatbed Operations
Depending on the load, a well-versed expert may be needed even before pick up. Over-dimensional loads or shipments that don’t need/can’t fit in an enclosed trailer will need additional attention to ensure proper loading and transporting. Flatbed-only carriers are well-equipped to work with a myriad of unconventional loads and the extra steps they may require. Your load may require additional straps and chains to keep the load from shifting, or it may need extra protection in the form of edge protectors and tarping. This focus on safety should be at the forefront of your shippers’ minds and is commonly what flatbed carriers value most.
Extensive Driver Training for Flatbed Loads
As the professional who will be closest to your freight, it’s paramount that the drivers handling and transporting your load are experts in flatbed transportation. Flatbed-only companies have the opportunity to focus on loading and securing flatbed loads alone, meaning every driver you encounter will have the same detailed understanding of the industry. At Melton Truck Lines, we spend additional time providing our drivers with hands-on training of some of our most common load types, and several oversized and irregularly shaped loads to ensure everyone is able to minimize risk and protect your cargo throughout its journey.
Tailored Solutions for Specialized/OD Cargo
Over-dimensional, overweight, and generally irregularly shaped loads can come with a variety of complex issues. Depending on where the load is being shipped to, the type of freight itself, and the overall dimensions of the load, shippers may find that they cannot utilize the same lanes as other companies. The ability for flatbed-only carriers to identify the best routes or customize the best option for your freight, while still being cost-effective, requires flexibility that most traditional carriers may not have.
Flatbed-only carriers like Melton Truck Lines are experienced in working on irregular routes to ensure your freight can go as-is, without disassembly, anywhere in the country or beyond. Our Specialized team is also well-versed in all of the permits and documentation you’ll need for over-dimensional loads, so your irregular loads will be delivered without issue.
Optimized Load Planning and Scheduling
Flatbed carriers excel in handling diverse cargo types, allowing for strategic and efficient use of space on the trailer itself. The planning itself starts right as the scheduling begins, ensuring a streamlined process from start to finish to maximize load capacity and minimize empty miles.
Melton Truck Lines tailors their approach to planning and scheduling to the customer, ensuring overall efficiency and timely deliveries, with reduced risks of damage or delays.
Partnering with a flatbed-only carrier provides numerous benefits for shippers that work with unconventional freight and can often create a custom solution for you. With Melton Truck Lines, we always aim to ensure that your freight is transported safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind and a competitive edge in your industry. If you’re looking for a flatbed trucking company to haul your freight, learn more about Melton on our flatbed shipping services page.