A Melton truck with a tarped load

What to Expect When Shipping Flatbed Loads

Flatbed shipping has always been a critical mode of transportation, and the demand for it is only growing in industries like manufacturing, energy, and construction. Flatbed trailers are uniquely versatile and can transport many commodities, but are they suitable for your business? This blog covers what kinds of freight are best shipped with flatbed trailers and what you can expect when utilizing flatbed shipping services.

What is a Flatbed Trailer?

A flatbed trailer is a broad term for any open-deck trailer with no sides or roof. In contrast to dry van trailers, flatbed trailers can be used for any freight that doesn’t require the protection of an enclosed trailer. It’s also utilized for irregularly shaped freight or any commodity that would exceed the standard dimensions of a dry van trailer.

The legal length for flatbed loads is 53′ and the legal weight is 80,000 pounds. However, several types of flatbed trailers are used for different types of freight, including loads that exceed these dimensions. This includes:

  • Step Deck Trailers: Used for taller loads that exceed standard height requirements
  • Double Drop/Low-Boy Trailers: Used for heavy machinery or other tall/overweight loads
  • Conestoga Trailers: Comes with a retractable tarp to avoid needing to manually tarp loads
  • Extendable Trailers: Used for freight that exceeds standard length requirements

Benefits of Flatbed Shipping

Flatbed shipping can have several advantages over other modes of transportation depending on the commodities you’re shipping. Here are a few primary benefits:

  • Easy Loading/Unloading: Since flatbed trailers are open on all sides, unloading and loading unwieldy freight can be made a lot easier by providing access for cranes and forklifts.
  • Versatility: With so many types of flatbed trailers available, this mode of transport is extremely versatile. Even if a load is overweight or oversized, it can still be shipped via flatbed with the proper permits and additional safety measures.
  • Fits Into a Larger Supply Chain: If your freight is traveling via many modes of transportation, flatbed trailers can be useful for some legs of the journey. For example, flatbed trailers could move shipping containers from a seaport to a final destination farther inland.
A Melton truck parked in front of a building with a tarped flatbed load

Challenges of Flatbed Shipping

  • Load Securement: Since flatbed trailers are completely open, it is up to the driver to properly secure your freight, leaving more room for potential error. At Melton Truck Lines, our drivers are trained from day one to secure a variety of different load types, leaving our customers with peace of mind that their freight will arrive damage-free.
  • Exposure to Elements: For commodities that can get damaged with exposure to elements like rain and dust, flatbed shipping does come with some inherent risk. Most flatbed companies will utilize tarps in their securement process to ensure your freight stays protected.
  • Additional Regulations: If your shipment is oversized/overweight, it could require extra permits and safety requirements to be transported legally. Working with an experienced flatbed company like Melton Truck Lines will make sure your cargo is compliant with these laws and makes it to its destination without any delays.

Why Choose Melton Truck Lines for Flatbed Shipping?

Melton Truck Lines has been in the flatbed trucking industry for over 70 years, and our experience allows us to handle any type of shipment you need delivered in a timely, safe manner. Our late-model equipment comes with advanced safety features to prevent any potential delays or damage to your freight, and all of our drivers are trained extensively in important skills like route planning, load securement, and HOS compliance. We offer both standard flatbed and step deck trailers to accommodate a variety of freight.

No matter the cargo, the Melton Truck Lines team is ready to help! Visit our flatbed services page to learn more about us, or submit a rate quote form to see how you can get started.

Truck Driving at Night vs the Day: Which is For You?

Should I Drive My Truck in the Day or Nighttime? Explore the unique challenges and benefits of trucking at night versus daytime driving. Discover tips for safer night hauls and maximizing efficiency. Among some of the challenging decisions that a truck driver will...

Top Industries Using Flatbed

Top Industries Using FlatbedFlatbed trucking is an essential segment of the transportation and logistics industry, providing a great solution for moving freight that doesn’t fit into standard enclosed trailers. With its open design and ease of loading and unloading,...

Why You Need a TWIC Card as a Truck Driver

Why You Need a TWIC Card as a Truck Driver As a truck driver, ensuring that you have the right credentials for hauling certain loads is essential for maintaining compliance with industry regulations. One such credential that has become increasingly important,...

How Melton Secures Specialized Freight

How Melton Secures Specialized FreightNot every shipment fits neatly in a box, or even on a standard trailer. Some loads defy standard dimensions, shapes, or handling methods; these are what we refer to as irregular freight or specialty freight. It’s big, oddly...

Flatbed Trucking for Government Freight

Flatbed Trucking for Government Freight Government agencies and military bases often require specialized logistics solutions to move oversized, high-value, or sensitive cargo both safely and efficiently. Flatbed trucking plays a crucial role in meeting these needs,...

The Smith System: 5 Keys to Driving Safe

The Smith System: 5 Keys to Drive SafeIn today’s climate where delivering freight quickly takes priority, it’s more important than ever that truck drivers are keeping safety at the top of their mind. From the moment you take your place behind the wheel to when you’re...

The Best Load Boards of 2025

The Best Load Boards (Updated 2025)Learn the ins and outs of load boards, their critical role in the transportation industry, and how they benefit owner-operators and shippers alike. The transportation industry is a fast-paced and continuously changing landscape. This...

Understanding DOT Hours of Service (HOS)

What are Hours of Service? & Other Facts About HOS Amongst many of the rules and regulations that are weaved through a truck driver’s everyday life, HOS, or hours of service is one of the most crucial. Understanding them is the key to maximizing your productivity...

Planning a Day in the Life of a Flatbed Driver

A Day in the Life of a Truck DriverIf you’ve considered truck driving as a career, you’re probably curious what a typical day on the road is like. The lifestyle can be appealing to those who like working independently and don’t mind working for long stretches of time,...

5 Skills Every Flatbed Driver Should Know

5 Skills Every New Flatbed Driver Should KnowTaking on a job in the trucking industry can come with unique and rewarding career opportunities, but it can also raise some distinct challenges and responsibilities. New drivers beginning their flatbed careers need to...