Choosing the Right Flatbed Trailer for Your Hauling Needs

Flatbed trucks play a crucial role in the logistics industry. They’re used daily to transport cargo, machinery, and equipment across the United States. This article will discuss everything you need to know about flatbed trucking.

Different Types of Flatbed Trailer

There are several types of flatbed trucks:

• Standard flatbed: Because of its flat surface, this flatbed truck is commonly used to transport building materials, machinery, and steel items. It can typically accommodate up to 24 tons.
• Drop deck: This double-deck open trailer is ideal for transporting items too tall for a regular flatbed trailer.
• Removable gooseneck (RGN): This trailer’s detachable front creates a ramp to facilitate loading. RGN trailers can accommodate loads that are both tall and long.
• Lowboys: These low-riding flatbeds are commonly used to transport tall, large, or heavy items.

Pros and Cons of Flatbed Trailers

Pros

• Loading cargo is easier.
• Best for those who need to transport objects of unusual size or shape
• Different kinds of flatbeds are available for various purposes.

Cons

• Expensive to operate since drivers need extensive training and expertise
• It’s tough to safely move irregularly shaped objects
• Freight transported in a flatbed trailer is vulnerable to the elements because of the lack of cover.

Tips for Securing Loads on a Flatbed Truck

Learn How the Weight Is Distributed

Learn how a flatbed trailer’s size and load distribution interact. All these elements must work to keep the load steady.

Pick the Right Equipment

The cargo is the primary factor in choosing the proper securement device. Load bars, straps, and binders restrict the load from shifting around while on the move.

Keep the Cargo Secure

Find out the load capacities of your load-securing equipment. Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, every 10 feet of cargo, plus any fraction thereof, requires one tiedown.

Industry News

The first few months of 2023 have seen a slight increase in flatbed spot rates in the United States. A combination of factors, including favorable winter conditions and robust demand for flatbed transport in the Gulf Coast region, explain this trend.

Customer Service Best Practices

Excellent customer service can make or break a business for small fleet owners and trucking owner-operators. Here are some tips to improve customer satisfaction:

• Open communication: Without effective lines of communication, providing satisfactory customer service in the logistics sector can be challenging.
• Personal attention: Everyone desires to be recognized as an individual and not merely a cog in the machine.

What To Look For in a Flatbed Trucking Company

When trying to choose a reliable flatbed trucking company, it’s important to:

1. Evaluate your immediate and long-term transportation requirements.
2. Think about the capabilities, size, and resources of each carrier.
3. Check the safety processes and practices of each flatbed company.
4. Consider each carrier’s track record, longevity, and financial stability.

How Jansson Can Help

There are several considerations when transporting goods with flatbed trucks and trailers, from truck type to load securement. If you’re looking for a flatbed trucking partner, Jansson is your best bet.

As an independent agent of Landstar, we can provide you with the trucks, trailers, and drivers you need. Learn more about what we can do for you by browsing our site. Get a quote today!