When it comes to shipping your products, you have a lot of choices to make. Which carrier should you choose? What mode of transportation is best for your product? How will you handle delivery?
Flatbed Shipments is an option that can often get overlooked. But there are a number of reasons why it might be the right choice for your business. In this post, we’ll take a look at what flatbed shipping is, the benefits it offers, and how to decide if it’s the right option for you.
Flatbed Shipping Explained
Flatbed shipping is a type of freight transportation that uses large, open trucks to transport goods. The truck has a flat bed on which the cargo is loaded and unloaded. This type of shipping is often used for heavy items or products that cannot be transported in other ways.
Flatbed shipping is the perfect way to ship your cargo. It offers a number of benefits, which is why more and more businesses are choosing this option for their shipping needs.
Some of the benefits of flatbed shipping include:
- Great for large or heavy items: Flatbed transportation can handle large and heavy items that wouldn’t normally fit on a truck. This makes it the perfect option for companies that need to ship oversize freight or overweight items.
- Flexible transport: Flatbed trailers can be adapted to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your cargo gets where it needs to go, when it needs to get there.
- Efficient delivery: Because flatbed trucks have a lowered deck, they can make deliveries quickly and easily, without having to take extra time unloading and reloading cargo.
- Ease of use – Flatbeds are easy to load and unload, making them ideal for busy ports or warehouses. They can also be moved quickly between different locations without causing any delays.
What Do Flatbed Trucks Carry?
Flatbed trucks are used to transport a variety of goods, including furniture, automobiles, and other large items and are managed by 3PL companies. But what does 3PL mean? 3PL stands for “third party logistics.” It is a term used in the shipping industry to describe the services provided by an outside company that helps manage and deliver your products or shipments. This type of service can be invaluable if you need help with things like inventory management, order fulfillment, or transportation coordination.
Some common flatbed truck cargo types include:
Stretch:
There is more space for a larger load on a stretch flatbed compared to a regular , flatbed trucking services. Flatbed stretch trailers are longer than a conventional trailer, allowing for longer loads and eliminating the possibility of overhanging freight.
Standard Flatbed:
There are several types of flatbed trailers but this is the most common. As you can see, it looks like a box trailer without any doors, sides, or roof. Shipping construction materials, machinery, and steel products is common.
Double-drop flatbed trailers:
Double Drops has an end and a center portion, the center portion drops lower than both ends. Moreover, it can create a “well” for carrying taller cargo.
The ground clearance of these flatbed trailers is lower than that of a standard flatbed trailer. Additionally, it is often used for loading and unloading cargo requiring a crane.
Drop deck:
Over-height freight shipped is usually transported in step deck or single-drop trucks. In comparison to flatbed trailers, the bed of this trailer drops lower after it’s cleared the tractor. There is an extra clearance of up to 2 feet above the ceiling.
What Type of Flatbed Is Best to Use?
The 48-foot flatbed trailer is the most frequently used type of trailer, and for good reason. They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including transporting goods in dry conditions. In addition to the dry van, the standard flatbed trailer is an incredibly common type of trailer. Although they come in several different sizes (including 24, 40, 45, 48 and 53 feet) the 48-foot flatbed trailer is the most frequently used.
Flatbed shipping quote: Pricing
If you’re considering using a flatbed carrier for your next shipment, it’s important to know how flatbed shipping quote works. Flatbed rates are typically quoted on a per-mile basis, and in June 2021, the national average was $3.15 for spot rates and $3.11 for contract rates. Keep in mind that these rates can fluctuate based on market conditions, so it’s always best to get a few quotes before making a decision. So whether you’re looking to move an entire warehouse or just a few pieces of furniture, make sure to get a quote from one of our qualified flatbed delivery services providers today!
How long is the flatbed of a truck?
As flatbed truck has a large, open platform at the rear that can carry large loads. Flatbeds are typically between 48 and 53 feet long, and they’re used to transport goods that would be too heavy or bulky for other types of trucks. They’re also popular for transporting materials like lumber and construction debris.
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