Flatbed Fundamentals: How It Works
Understanding Flatbed Trucking
Flatbed trucking, as the name suggests, involves the transportation of cargo on a flat, open-deck trailer. This versatile method is particularly suited for oversized, heavy, or unusually shaped cargo, such as construction equipment, large machinery, steel beams, or even oversized vehicles. Its key advantage lies in its flexibility, allowing transportation of goods that wouldn't fit into traditional containers.
Types of Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers are designed to accommodate a wide range of cargo needs. Their open-deck design facilitates easy loading and unloading from the top or sides, making them an indispensable asset in the logistics and transportation industry. Below, we explore the different types of flatbed trailers based on size, material, and their respective applications.
Standard Flatbeds
Standard flatbed trailers are the backbone of versatile cargo transportation, They come primarily in two sizes:
102" W by 53' Long Trailers: Ideal for transporting longer, indivisible loads, these trailers are designed to maximize cargo space, making shipments more cost-efficient by accommodating more products in a single journey.
102" W by 48' Long Trailers: These trailers are typically lighter, especially when constructed from aluminum, making them perfect for heavier loads that require a compact size. They are especially useful in scenarios where the pickup or delivery locations are constrained by space, necessitating a more maneuverable piece of equipment.
Flatbed trailers are constructed from various materials, each offering unique benefits
Steel Flatbeds
Renowned for their durability, steel flatbeds are an economical choice. They feature a wood floor for versatile dunnage securement options. However, their heavier construction slightly limits the load weight they can carry.
Combination Flatbeds
These semi-trailers blend the lightweight advantage of aluminum floors and side rails with the strength of a steel beam. This combination offers an excellent balance between durability and efficiency, catering to a broad range of transportation needs.
Aluminium Flatbeds
For the utmost in lightweight efficiency, aluminum flatbeds are unparalleled. A 48-foot, all-aluminum trailer is optimal for loads exceeding 48,000 lbs, offering significant weight savings without compromising on strength or capacity.
Each type of flatbed trailer serves a specific purpose, catering to the diverse needs of the transportation industry. From the durable steel flatbeds to the lightweight aluminum options, understanding the advantages of each can help optimize your logistics operations, ensuring efficient, cost-effective delivery of goods.
Safety and Security in Flatbed Trucking
Ensuring the safety of flatbed freight is critical, as improperly secured cargo can lead to significant risks. Key safety measures include:
Securing and Protecting Cargo
Use appropriate equipment such as straps, chains, and tarps to effectively secure the cargo. It is very important to keep in mind that using the right method of securement for every specific type of cargo is crucial. If straps are used on cargo that requires chains, or vice versa, the integrity and security of the shipment might be compromised. Cargo tarping is an art.
Cargo will arrive completely dry after passing through a rainstorm if it was correctly tarped, or it can get water damage after a light rain if the flaps weren't pulled in the right direction. The water is not the only enemy; road debris or salt are other factors that have to be kept in mind and can be hazardous to the shipped goods.
Choosing the Right Shipping Partner
When choosing a shipping partner, make sure they have the right knowledge about what can go wrong and can bring the perfect solutions to ensure that the movement of your freight will be as safe and seamless as possible.
Insurance and Liability
Ensuring you have the right insurance coverage is crucial for safeguarding against potential damages or losses during transit. Equally important is understanding how to identify exclusions in the cargo policy, as this knowledge is key to ensuring comprehensive protection for your goods while they are on the move.
Choosing Click to haul your flatbed loads means partnering with an asset based logistics company that not only provides flatbed transportation services but also ensures that your cargo is backed by a solid insurance policy. We commit to guiding you through the insurance process, clarifying any doubts, and customizing the coverage to meet your needs.
