When you have an oversized load that won’t fit in the back of an enclosed trailer or van, flatbed trucks are the ideal solution for transportation.
A flatbed truck will ensure your goods reach their destination, regardless of shape and size. It will transport almost every type of freight with only a few limitations like weight, how high you can stack, and your imagination. These characteristics make it one of the most versatile and convenient tools anyone with regular freight needs can rely on.
Flatbed trailers can be an effective and relatively inexpensive method for transporting a shipment, and they are ideal for oversized or otherwise awkward items. But you must take great care to make sure the shipment is adequately covered and protected, since it won’t be housed.
If you are yet to be convinced of the benefits of flatbed trucks, here are a few benefits of flatbeds to your supply chains.
Broad capacity
Flatbed trucks have no physical walls on five sides but have massive floor real estate to load and arrange items on. This enables it to have unmatched spatial versatility that facilitates the effortless movement of freight of all sizes. Removing these limitations of volume also means that it’s possible to load more on a flatbed than you would with an enclosed truck or van.
Simple to clean up
Flatbed trucks are simpler to clean because they lack sides or a top, which minimizes surfaces where dirt and grime can collect. You can simply hose down the deck to clean it, and this translates to lower maintenance and cleaning costs in the long run. The reduction in cleaning and maintenance intervals between runs means you can haul more cargo with quick turnaround times.
Appropriate for large packages
Even though some flatbed truck types can carry smaller loads, most flatbed trucks are made to carry and handle bulkier, heavier cargo. They have far more storage capacity and additional reinforcement, permitting these trucks to securely move heavy loads.
Quicker to load and unload
Perhaps the most difficult aspects of shipping large items is the loading and unloading the freight. The absence of sidewalls and a cover in this scenario is simplifies loading and unloading. Drivers can also park strategically on the docks since you won’t have to load or unload from the back.
Types of open flatbed trucks
Some of the most common types include:
- Stretch flatbed trailers
- Lowboy trailers
- Stretch double drop trailers
Flatbed transportation
Who uses flatbed trucks?
A flatbed truck’s capacity and versatility mean it can serve well in a wide variety of industries. Here are some common use cases of flatbed trucks.
Distribution
To facilitate the shipment of freight to and from the central warehouse, dealers can also use the expertise of flatbed transportation services. For enormous or lofty packages, flatbed trucks are preferable.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector is one of the biggest users of flatbed trucks. They use them to haul everything from raw materials to equipment like diggers, conveyor belts, steel beams, pressure tanks, etc.
Towing
The flatbed is ideal for carrying and towing other automobiles, which are smaller in nature. Automobiles can be wheeled or winched onto the deck using ramps, but they can also tow if they don’t run.
Agriculture
The agricultural industry relies on flatbeds to move equipment like tractors, sprayer and combine harvesters. The decks are also a useful platform when transporting produce from muddy places.
Key takeaways
Flatbed trucks are a valuable resource because they can transport both enormous and oddly shaped goods. Regardless of the industry, flatbed trucks are generally preferred for their efficient fleet management and improved facilitation. Contact us today to find out more about flatbed trucks.