Flatbed Freight Shipping

When Standard Trailers Won't Do

Flatbed is the equipment of choice when freight is too large, too tall, too wide, or too heavy for an enclosed trailer — or when it must be loaded from the side or top rather than through dock doors. From a single piece of industrial machinery to a full project cargo move across multiple loads, MyExpressFreight's open-deck network delivers the specialized capacity your freight demands.

We work with a vetted network of flatbed, step deck, lowboy, RGN, and conestoga carriers operating across every North American lane. Our team handles permit applications, route surveys, and pilot car coordination so you can focus on your freight — not the logistics of moving it.

• ✓ Standard flatbed, step deck, double drop, RGN, and conestoga
• ✓ Oversize and overweight permit coordination in all 50 states
• ✓ Pilot car and escort flag vehicle arrangement
• ✓ Tarping, strapping, chaining, and blocking services
• ✓ Stretch flatbed and multi-axle trailers for extreme loads
• ✓ Same-day quotes on standard loads; 24–48 hr on permit moves
• ✓ Real-time GPS tracking from pickup through delivery
• ✓ Cross-border flatbed to Canada and Mexico

Flatbed Trailer Types & Specs

Choosing the right open-deck trailer depends on your freight dimensions, weight, and loading method. Here is a quick reference for the most common flatbed equipment types.

Standard Flatbed:

48–53 ft long, 8.5 ft wide, max height 8.5 ft, max freight ~48,000 lbs

Step Deck (Drop Deck):

Upper deck ~11 ft, lower deck ~37–40 ft; allows freight up to 10 ft tall

Double Drop (Lowboy):

Well deck drops to ~18–24 inches off the ground; handles freight up to 12 ft tall

Removable Gooseneck (RGN):

Detachable front allows drive-on loading for equipment; max height ~11.5–12 ft with permit

Conestoga:

Rolling tarp system on a flatbed frame — full enclosure without tarping labor; ideal for weather-sensitive freight

Stretch Flatbed:

Extendable deck up to 80 ft for long freight like wind turbine blades, bridge sections, or structural steel

Multi-Axle / Heavy Haul:

3–13 axle configurations for loads exceeding standard weight limits with state permits

Flatbed Service Options

• Spot Flatbed — One-time loads at market rates on any lane.
• Contract Flatbed — Negotiated rates and committed capacity on regular lanes.
• Oversize & Permit Loads — Full permit coordination in all 50 states.
• Pilot Car Coordination — Escort vehicle arrangement for oversize moves.
• Tarping & Securement — DOT-compliant tie-down and tarping on every load.
• Project Cargo — Multi-load coordination for large capital projects.

Why MyExpressFreight

• Open-Deck Specialist Network — Flatbed-specific carriers on major US corridors.
• Permit Expertise — All 50 states, including multi-state and conflicting regulations.
• Cargo Securement Compliance — Every load secured per 49 CFR Part 393.
• Real-Time Tracking — GPS visibility from pickup through delivery.
• Same-Day Quotes — Standard loads same-day; permit moves within 24–48 hrs.
• Claims Support — Full claims management from filing through settlement.