Flatbed Shipping Services
Experts in Flatbed Shipping services
Melton Truck Lines has been a leader in the flatbed industry for 70 years. We operate a well-maintained fleet of late-model trucks and 53-foot air-ride flatbed and step deck trailers, which minimizes cargo damage and potential delays. Unlike many flatbed carriers who provide limited route flexibility, Melton offers long-haul flatbed trucking solutions in all 48 contiguous states, as well as Canada and Mexico, making Melton your one-stop-shop for safe and on-time delivery.
USA Domestic Freight Services
Canada Freight Services
Mexico Freight Services
Over Dimensional Freight Services
What is a Flatbed Shipment?
Flatbed shipping is required for cargo that is either too large to be transported in a standard dry van trailer, or for cargo that doesn’t require the protection of an enclosed trailer. Both flatbed trailers and step deck trailers provide easy access for loading and unloading, and flexibility in the size and shape of loads hauled. Common flatbed freight includes building and construction materials, machinery, tires, metals, and more.
Flatbed Shipping – Watch Now!
Benefits of Flatbed Shipping with melton
• Adaptable, personalized shipping solutions throughout North America
• 100% Company Trucks & Drivers, means more control over loads and pricing
• Trailer pools are available to reduce downtime and increase scalability
• Nationwide terminals & Offices in Monterrey, NL Mexico, offering greater flexibility for customers
• Covered cargo protection facilities in Tulsa and Laredo reduce the risk of potential damage and delays
• Company-Owned fleet of impeccably maintained late-model equipment means fewer breakdowns and greater on-time delivery
• Melton’s CSA safety scores verify Melton’s safety focus for drivers and customers’ freight, resulting in consistent safe delivery of products
Hear from Our Customers
Ready to Move Your Flatbed Freight?
Melton Truck Lines’ outstanding service has earned us recognition as a premier flatbed and step deck carrier. We hire service-oriented, over-the-road drivers that meet stringent safe driving standards, resulting in the consistent safe delivery of your freight. Melton has received numerous awards for services, safety, and employee and customer satisfaction.
53′ Flatbed Trailers
53′ Step Deck Trailers
Melton’s Flatbed Shipping Equipment
• Each truck comes equipped with the same set of tarps, securement, and dunnage, ensuring that every Melton driver is properly equipped to handle any customer load.
• Every driver at Melton is required to complete an extensive 8-day pre-employment program, where our state-of-the-art instructors teach all the ins and outs of tarping and securing flatbed freight. You can trust that every Melton driver you encounter will treat your load with the utmost care.
• With a trade cycle of 42 months and the overall age of our fleet at 22-24 months old, our trucks are less likely to break down due to mechanical issues, causing fewer delays in delivery.
• Operates 53’ aluminum composite, air-ride flatbeds & step decks, creating minimal risk of in-transit damage, while offering a 48,000 lbs. payload capacity.
• Nationally recognized for our signature Melton blue trucks, signifying that loads are being hauled by an honorable carrier.
Trailer Types for Flatbed Shipping
As a flatbed transportation service provider, it’s important that our fleet is equipped to handle various types of flatbed freight. Melton has two types of flatbed shipping trailers – 53’ flatbed trailers and 53’ step deck trailers – providing lots of options to accommodate all of your shipping needs. The maximum dimensions for a standard flatbed load are listed in the tables below. Click to enlarge photos.
| Length | Width | Height | |
| Feet | 53′ | 8’6″ | 8’6″ |
Flatbed Trailer Specs:
• 53′ by 102″ aluminum composite trailers
• 48,000 lb. payload capacity
• California Legal Flatbed Trailer
• Air-ride, spread axle suspension
| Length | Width | Height | |
| Upper Deck | 11′ | 8’6″ | 8’5″ |
| Lower Deck | 41’6″ | 8’6″ | 10′ |
Step Deck Trailer Specs:
• 53′ lightweight, all-aluminum step deck trailers
• 46,000 lb. payload capacity
• Legal in all 48 states, Canada, and Mexico
• 11′ upper deck can legally load up to 8’6″ high material
• 41’6″ lower deck can legally load up to 10′ high material
What Types of Flatbed Freight Does Melton Haul?
Melton’s flatbed fleet can haul a wide variety of freight types for your business. From construction materials for roads and buildings, to pipe transportation for oil and gas, and even pieces of a stage for a concert, our flatbed trailers can manage many different loads for your business and simplify your transportation process. Learn more about the most common types of flatbed freight we haul in our blog.
What if my load exceeds these dimensions?
Our trucks are well equipped to handle over-dimensional loads. Check out our OD page for more information.
I Have Other Shipping Needs - Can you Help?
Our team over at our sister company, Melton Logistics, can help you find transportation solutions for all your freight needs.
Meet the Rate my Load Program!
Nobody knows our business better than the drivers on the road who consistently interact with our customers. To make their experiences as smooth as possible, we ask our drivers to use our Rate My Load program to give constructive feedback to our team. After a driver completes a load, they can rate various aspects of their delivery experience, from loading/unloading conditions, ease of loading, accuracy of directions, and more. With this feedback, we can help customers improve the driver experience and build stronger relationships.
What an honor to be recognized for Melton’s continued dedication to provide quality flatbed transportation services. We value the strong relationships we’ve built with our loyal customers and are proud of our outstanding employees who continue to work proactively and diligently. The excellent work from our office staff along with consistent, safe, and productive performance from our drivers upholds our reputation as an industry leader in flatbed transportation.
