Flatbed trailers are an important trailer type for flatbed trucking companies originating or delivering freight to Bakersfield California.
Flatbed, RGN, step deck and double drop tractor-trailers are the first choice transporters for over dimensional or overweight or freight that simply cannot be loaded into a dry van.
Examples of loads that may not be loaded into a dry van, but can be loaded onto a flatbed trailer are: prefabricated concrete forms, CNC machinery, natural gas pipes, steel beams, preformed rebar, commercial trucks and heavy construction equipment. If you have a need to transport one of these loads, or a similar extra long or bulky freight, you will want the services of a flatbed trucking company.
Forklifts can easily load and unload palletized cargo, because the forklift can access the trailer floor via both of the long sides and the back end of the trailer. The forklift may be driven onto the flatbed too. Wheeled self-powered machinery can be driven on and driven off the trailer using a ramp or a dock. Non-wheeled machinery can be rolled on and off by utilizing a wheeled dolly. A crane may be used too, since flatbed trailers are accessible from above for loading and unloading. A flatbed has the ability to be driven underneath a load, if the load is hoisted above ground, so that the trailer can be driven underneath.
Securing Cargo on a Flatbed
Cargo has to be securely strapped down or chained via binders so it doesn’t move or fall off while it is being transported. Some cargo might have to be covered with a tarp. Other cargo such as pipe requires that stakes be mounted along the sides of the trailer to prevent the cargo from rolling over the sides. The flatbed trucking company will have all of the required tie downs, covers, corner protectors and stakes that might be required.
Flatbed Trailer Manufacturers
Utility, Fontaine and Great Dane are major manufacturers of flatbed semi-trailers. Some trailers have a moveable forward axle. The operator can change the position of that axle so that the load weight is better supported between both axles. Some trailers are made of lightweight aluminum, in order to be able to transport more freight weight. There are numerous trailer features, modifications and variations offered by the manufacturers right from the factory.
Types of Flatbed Trailers and Features
Flatbed trailers are manufactured primarily in two lengths: 48 foot and 53 foot. Some trailers are fabricated with a front bulkhead that helps to protect the driver in the event the load comes loose and shifts forward during braking or an accident. Another type of trailer is known as the drop deck. The load deck of a drop deck trailer is lower than that of a normal trailer. However, there is a step up at the front end that permits connection to the tractor. Drop deck trailers are built for taller loads such as machinery, that is not suitable for a standard height flatbed trailer. These trailers are better suited for carrying tall loads, because the low deck provides greater clearance when traveling under overpasses or inside tunnels. Generally flatbed trucking companies have a number of conventional and drop deck trailers to carry any load suitable for transportation on a flatbed.
Bakersfield Industry Relies on Flatbed Trucking
Bakersfield has a very diverse economy. It is the most productive oil producing county, and the fourth most productive agricultural county (by value) in the United States. Other industries include natural gas and other energy extraction, aerospace, mining, petroleum refining, manufacturing, distribution, food processing, and corporate/regional headquarters.
Bakersfield’s historic and primary industries have related to Kern County’s two main industries, oil and agriculture. Kern County is the most oil productive county in America, with approximately 10% of the nation’s domestic production.
Kern County is a part of the highly productive San Joaquin Valley, and ranks in the top five most productive agricultural counties in the nation. Major crops for Kern County include: grapes, citrus, almonds, carrots, alfalfa, cotton, and roses. The city serves as the home for both corporate and regional headquarters of companies involved in these industries.
Bakersfield also has a substantial manufacturing and distribution sector. Several companies have moved to Bakersfield because of its inexpensive land and access to the rest of America, as well as the proximity of international ports in both Los Angeles and Oakland. Other companies have opened regional offices due to Bakersfield’s and Kern County’s business friendly policies, such as having no local utility or inventory taxes. Products manufactured in the city include: ice cream, central vacuums, highway paint, and stock racing cars.
- Great Western Transportation will provide you with: standard 48 and 53 flats, step decks, double drops, RGNs, maxis, over dimensional, overweight, expedited, and flatbed LTL trailers to haul your company’s freight.
- Great Western Transportation provides reliable pickup and on time delivery.
- You will receive all the benefits of dedicated flatbed specialist being assigned to your shipment from start to finish.
- Seasoned experts in flatbed shipping will co-ordinate your over dimensional, oversized and overweight freight for proper equipment selection and permits and pilot cars if required.
Your business may require the services of a flatbed trucking company or a heavy haul trucking company, depending on the products or equipment that you are shipping. Great Western Transportation originates shipments and delivers shipments to Bakersfield CA.
