A flatbed trailer is a common type of open trailer. People use it for transporting a wide range of goods, especially large or loose loads that cannot fit into an enclosed van trailer.
With no walls or roof, the flatbed trailer offers great flexibility. Transporting heavy items such as construction materials, steel, machinery, and agricultural equipment is ideal. This design makes loading and unloading cargo much easier.
Compared to enclosed trailers, flatbed trailers are simpler and easier to maintain. However, its disadvantage lies in the lack of protection, which easily exposes the cargo. As a result, we need to implement additional safety measures to prevent damage or loss of cargo during transport.
It is important to choose the right size and design of flatbed trailer. Different goods have different transport needs, and the right choice can improve the safety and efficiency of transport. Flatbed trailers are a useful tool for many industries. They work well for transporting heavy equipment or lighter cargo.
Flatbed Trailer Sizes
Flatbed trailers come in a variety of sizes. Different types of flatbed trailers vary in length, width and height to meet different transport needs.
The most common flatbed trailers are typically between 48 feet and 53 feet in length. The width is usually 8 feet 6 inches, while the height varies depending on the type of trailer and its use.
Standard Flatbed Trailer Dimensions
Standard flatbed trailers are typically between 48 feet and 53 feet in length. The width is typically 8 feet 6 inches and the height is about 5 feet. This is one of the most common flatbed sizes on the market.
This type of trailer is good for industrial and commercial transport. It can carry between 46,000 and 48,000 pounds. It is popular because it can move large equipment and bulk cargo easily. It also allows for quick loading and unloading.
Legal Size Limits
Cargo that exceeds the dimensions of a standard flatbed trailer is considered oversized.
Special transport permits or escorts may be required to transport such cargo. Typically, this type of transport must comply with relevant regulations and apply for the appropriate permits to ensure safe and legal transport.
Types and sizes of flatbed trailers
Standard Flatbed Trailer
Uses: Suitable for general bulk cargo, construction materials, steel, machinery, etc. It can transport most industrial and commercial goods.
Length: 48′ to 53′
Width: 8’6″
Height: 5′
Maximum Capacity: 46,000 – 48,000 lbs.
Features: Flatbed trailers have no enclosure or canopy, making loading and unloading of cargo very easy, but require additional tie-downs to ensure safe transport.
Step Deck Trailer / Single Drop
Use: Used for transporting cargo over 8’6″ in height, such as construction machinery, large equipment, etc.
Main Deck (MD): 38′ – 41′ long, 102″ wide, 3’4″ – 3’6″ high
Top Deck (TD): 10′ – 12′ long, 102″ wide, 5′ high
Maximum Load: 44,000 – 47,000 lbs.
Features: Step Deck Trailers allow for higher loads than standard flatbed trailers, while still having a low loading height.
Removable Gooseneck Trailer
Uses: For extremely heavy or extra tall cargo such as construction machinery, oilfield equipment, military equipment, etc.
Main Deck (MD): 24′ – 29′ long, 102″ wide, 11’6″ high
Rear Deck (RD): 10′ long, 8’6″ wide, height 10’2″
Maximum load: 37,000 – 40,000 lbs.
Features: Removable front end allows vehicles or equipment to drive directly onto the trailer deck, greatly simplifying the loading and unloading process.
Double Drop Trailer
Purpose: Used for transporting oversized, overweight cargo such as wind turbine components, heavy equipment, etc.
Main Deck (MD): 24′ – 29′ long, 102″ wide, 11’6″ high
Top Deck (TD): 10′ long, 102″ wide, 8’6″ high
Rear Deck (RD): 10′ long, 8’6″ wide, 10’2″ high
Maximum Load: 37,000 – 40,000 lbs.
Features: The low body allows it to transport extremely high loads while maintaining a low centre of gravity for improved transport stability.
| Trailer Type | Deck Length (L) | Width (W) | Height (H) | Max Load Capacity |
| Standard Flatbed Trailer | 48′ – 53′ | 8’6″ | 5′ | 46,000 – 48,000 lbs |
| Step Deck Trailer | 38′ – 41′ (MD), 10′ – 12′ (TD) | 102″ | 3’4″ – 3’6″ (MD), 5′ (TD) | 44,000 – 47,000 lbs |
| Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailer | 24′ – 29′ (MD), 10′ (RD) | 102″ (MD), 8’6″ (RD) | 11’6″ (MD), 10’2″ (RD) | 37,000 – 40,000 lbs |
| Double Drop Trailer | 24′ – 29′ (MD), 10′ (TD & RD) | 102″ (MD), 8’6″ (TD & RD) | 11’6″ (MD), 8’6″ (TD), 10’2″ (RD) | 37,000 – 40,000 lbs |
Cargo Protection and Securing
When transporting cargo on a flatbed trailer, proper securing of the cargo is key to ensuring safe transport. Cargo protection and securing involves a number of aspects, such as the use of suitable tarpaulins, securing chains and straps.
Cargo Protection
The cargo on a flatbed trailer is usually exposed and vulnerable to weather, pollution and other external factors. For this reason, a properly sized tarp can be effective in protecting the cargo. Common tarp sizes include 4ft, 6ft and 8ft lengths, and choosing the right tarp height ensures that your cargo is adequately protected.
Cargo securing
Sturdy securing devices are necessary to ensure that cargo does not move or fall out of place during transport. Common methods of securing cargo include:
Chains: used to secure heavy equipment or cargo to ensure stability.
Straps and adhesives: to help stabilise lighter loads and prevent them from swaying during transport.
Coil holders and padding: for transporting fragile items to prevent scratches or damage.
How to choose the right flatbed trailer?
Cargo weight and dimensions
Depending on the weight and size of the cargo being transported, choose a flatbed trailer that can carry the appropriate weight and meet the size requirements. For example, heavier loads may require a double drop or semi-flatbed trailer.
Ease of Loading and Unloading
Choose a flatbed trailer that is easy to load and unload, depending on the needs of the load. Many flatbed trailers are equipped with ramps for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
Budget and Financing
Different types of flatbed trailers are available at different prices. Choose the right type of trailer for your budget and consider financing options to help you complete your purchase.
Summary
HOWO Special Truck Ltd acts as a professional commercial vehicle supplier. We not only provide all kinds of trucks, but also help customers choose the right transport equipment. For example Flatbed trailers to meet different freight needs.
Standard flatbed trailers are suitable for most industrial transport. Models with step decks, removable goosenecks, and double drops are suitable for transporting oversized and heavy equipment. Knowing the size, capacity, and loading/unloading options of flatbed trailers can help you pick the best transport method. This can also make your operations more efficient.
If you need HOWO, FAW, or SHACMAN tractor trailers, we can help. We also offer flatbed trailers. Feel free to contact us! We will give you expert advice to improve your transport solutions. This will make your freight transport safer and more efficient!
