Understanding the Process of Flatbed Trucking

Most people think that the process of transporting goods or equipment is simple—just load them on the truck and go. However, there are certain procedures which have to be followed, if you want your goods to reach their destination in a good condition. You also need to consider safety procedures to make sure that no one is hurt in the process of transportation. Here are some things you might need to keep in mind about flatbed trucking:

What Is a Flatbed?

As the name might suggest, a flatbed is a truck with a flat bed in the back. This bed has no sides and no roof. This kind of truck can be used to transport items which are extraordinarily large or which have an irregular shape. Items such as these might not fit in a regular truck which has sides and a roof, but they can be strapped on to a flat bed. There are many types of flatbeds, with low decks, sloping low decks, longer lengths, side panels etc.

Loading and Unloading a Flatbed

When you’re loading a flatbed, it’s important to make sure that the items being transported are properly balanced and not likely to fall over. They may also need to be strapped down to make sure that they stay in place. Placing a tarp over the goods being loaded also ensures that they will be protected from the elements. At times, it is necessary to use a forklift to load a flatbed.

Similarly, it’s important to be careful when unloading flatbeds. It may be necessary to consider the weather conditions and whether the ground is uneven. It may also be necessary to use a forklift.

Securing Cargo on a Flatbed

When placing the cargo on a flatbed, the driver will need to make sure that the weight of the cargo is evenly distributed. If there’s too much weight on one part of the bed, that can cause the vehicle to swerve, which is dangerous.

It’s also necessary to use tie-downs to secure the cargo to the bed. Federal regulations suggest that one tie down is needed for every ten feet of cargo, but depending on the type of load, more may be needed. It’s also necessary to choose the right type of tarp because different tarps are recommended for different types of goods, such as steel, machinery and lumber.

 

November 18, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed, General

Flatbed Trucking-A Valuable Asset to American Transportation

Across highways and byways across America, in little towns and big cities, trucks pick up, deliver, and transport a tremendous amount of goods and products. Flatbeds trucks compose a large portion of the trucks and perform a job that other trucks are incapable of doing. So what makes flatbed trucking so valuable to American logistics? Read on and find out.

To Get the Job Done You Need the Equipment

Flatbed trucking, and flatbed trucks, excel at hauling equipment. The very nature of their flatbeds means they are capable of hauling big pieces of equipment safely and without limits on equipment size or concerns about trailer size. Items such as tractors, backhogs, bulldozers, and much more have found passage to their next destination on a flatbed truck.

You Also Need The Materials to Go with That Equipment

Flatbed trucking does much more than just bring the equipment to a project. It also brings the materials to the project, ensuring the project is constructed with quality materials as well as quality equipment. Flatbed trucks provide multiple opportunities and possibilities for stacking, moving, and re stacking at the perfect destination of the project of your dreams.

After Every Project Comes the Clean-Up

Whether your project is a small fence or a major skyscraper, when your project is done there will be scrap and items too big for trash cans to be disposed of in a responsible way. Flatbed trucking can help you load up, remove, and even dispose of your project’s scraps with minimum effort and extra ease.

Flatbed trucking is an integral part of the American logistics system. Flatbed trucks enable items that may otherwise not get to their destination to arrive safely and in a timely manner. Great Western Transportation has a fleet of different types of trucks, include flatbed trucks, to help ensure that no matter what size of project you are working on, you have everything you need to make it a success.

September 25, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed

Flatbed Trucking: The Construction Industry’s Workhorse

Flatbed trucking is the unsung hero of the construction industry. These open-air sloggers haul and deliver bulky building materials and equipment, such as heavy machinery or prefabricated structures, to projects statewide. Without them, infrastructure designs would be mere blueprints on paper. Flatbed trucking is also a great driver of economic growth as the industry supports job creation and community development.

 

Types of Flatbed Trucks

Different types of flatbeds exist, including step deck, side-kit, double drop, extendable, stretch single-drop deck, Lowboys, RGN, or removable gooseneck trailer. Typical trailer dimensions are 48 to 53 feet in length, 102 inches in width and height, with a maximum weight capacity of 48,000 pounds. The type of flatbed to use depends on the cargo being transported. For example:

  • Standard flatbeds are the most common type. They are ideal for hauling general construction materials like lumber, steel beams, and pipes because their flat deck allows for various cargo configurations.
  • Step deck flatbeds feature a lowered deck at the rear, allowing for taller loads without exceeding height restrictions. They are primarily used for transporting construction equipment such as excavators and bulldozers.
  • Double drop deck flatbeds offer an even lower deck height, perfect for extremely tall and heavy equipment like cranes and wind turbine components. These trucks are used in specialized construction projects such as bridge building and power plant construction.

The building industry relies heavily on flatbed trucking for its efficiency and adaptability. Thanks to their open design, loading and unloading cargo is a breeze. Oddly shaped loads like wind blades or tank farms also fit perfectly on flatbeds. Such versatility saves valuable resources, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Flatbed Trucking Safety

Proper load securement is of the utmost importance in flatbed trucking to protect the cargo and the public. Flatbed operators must also adhere to weight distribution limits and obtain necessary permits for oversized or overweight loads. Ongoing training on specialized equipment handling and compliance with industry standards helps minimize accident occurrence.

 

Great Western Transportation: Your Flatbed Trucking Partner

Great Western Transportation is a third-party trucking company well-versed in the inner workings of the construction industry. As such, we offer a broad spectrum of flatbed trucking solutions, catering to construction projects of all sizes, from small-scale home building to large-scale initiatives. Contact Us today for help choosing a suitable trailer for your cargo.

September 11, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed

Heavy Haul Trucking: All You Need to Know

Heavy haul trucking is a specialized sector of the transportation industry that involves moving oversized and overweight cargo that exceeds the standard legal limits. These exceptional loads can include massive machinery, construction equipment, industrial components, and even entire prefabricated structures. To safely and efficiently handle heavy haul transportation, here are some essential aspects that shippers need to be aware of.

What is Oversized Cargo?

Oversized or overweight cargo is a load that exceeds the standard legal limits for transportation. The dimensions for these loads can vary from state to state, but typically include a maximum width and height of 14–15 feet each and a length of 100 feet. Most jurisdictions also classify any cargo exceeding 55,000 pounds as heavy haul shipments.

Equipment Used in Heavy Haul Trucking

Heavy haul trucking requires specialized equipment, often known as “oversize load” or “heavy haul” trailers. These trailers come in various configurations, including lowboys, flatbeds, and extendable trailers, designed to accommodate large and heavy cargo. Choosing the right trailer for the specific load ensures safety and compliance with regulations.

Regulations and Permits in the Heavy Hauling Industry

Heavy haul trucking consists of navigating complex regulations and obtaining the necessary permits. Laws regarding weight limits, dimensions, and routing vary by state and country. Trucking companies must comply with all rules to avoid fines and delays. This often requires obtaining special permits and working closely with transportation authorities to plan routes that accommodate the oversized load.

Hiring the Right Carrier

Selecting a suitable heavy haul carrier enables successful transport. Identify companies with a proven track record, experienced drivers, and a commitment to safety. Also, check their insurance coverage and reputation within the industry. Don’t forget to ask for references and inquire about their equipment fleet.

Contact Great Western Transportation for Your Heavy Hauling Needs

When it comes to heavy haul trucking, trust the experts at Great Western Transportation. With a proven track record, experienced drivers, and a commitment to safety, we are your reliable partner for transporting oversized and overweight cargo. Contact us today for a quote and experience seamless heavy hauling solutions.

August 19, 2024 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Safely Transporting Large Items with Flatbed Trucks Is Our Area of Expertise

Flatbed trucks are indispensable in the world of logistics, offering a unique capability to transport oversized and oddly shaped cargo that standard enclosed trailers cannot accommodate. This specialized form of trucking plays a crucial role across various industries, ensuring that large items reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

Open Design Allows for Transporting Those Oversized or Irregularly Shaped Items

The primary advantage of flatbed trucks lies in their open design, which allows for the transportation of items that exceed standard dimensions or are irregularly shaped. This includes everything from heavy machinery and construction materials to large industrial components and even vehicles. The absence of walls and ceilings provides flexibility in loading and unloading, making it easier to handle diverse cargo types.

Leave Securing Cargo to the Experts

Transporting large items safely requires meticulous attention to securing the load. Flatbed truck drivers are trained in the proper use of chains, straps, and binders to secure cargo effectively. The goal is to prevent shifting during transit, which could otherwise cause damage to the cargo or compromise road safety. Additionally, drivers must ensure that the weight distribution is balanced to maintain stability and maneuverability during transport.

Specialized Equipment and Techniques

Flatbed trucking often involves specialized equipment to handle specific types of cargo. This may include ramps for loading heavy equipment or tarps and covers to protect materials from weather conditions. Great Western Transportation can provide an assortment of equipment types and sizes along with any necessary components such as Conestoga covers, tarps, straps, chains or coil racks.

We’ve Done This Before… A Lot

Great Western Transportation specializes in flatbed trucking services across the Continental United States and from the U.S. to Canada. We cater to customers needing to transport wide, oversized, or overweight loads that comply with legal road limits. We ensure your shipment is protected with appropriately sized tarps and secure tie downs tailored to each job’s requirements. Our fleet includes various trailer types suited for different shipment sizes and loading needs. Additionally, we provide team service options for urgent deliveries requiring expedited timelines. Whether you need Less-than-Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL) flatbed trucking solutions, Great Western Transportation delivers reliable service to ensure your cargo arrives safely and on schedule.

We will provide you a stress free solution for basic flats, step decks, double drops, RGNs, maxis, over dimensional, overweight, expedited, and flatbed LTL, as well as applicable permits and escort services. Whatever you need to transport, Great Western Transportation has hauled it before and has the necessary expertise to make your freight shipment a cost effective success.

Still not sure if we can transport it? Here’s a list of cargo we’ve moved using one of our flatbeds:

  • Auto Parts
  • Backhoes
  • Beverages
  • Building Materials
  • CNC Machines
  • Construction Equipment
  • Conveyors
  • Coolers
  • Cranes
  • Crushers
  • Dump Trucks
  • Excavators
  • Fabricated Steel
  • Firetrucks
  • Forklifts
  • Generators
  • Lumber
  • Mining Equipment
  • Pipeline Construction and Replacement
  • Raw Materials
  • Refinery Equipment
  • Scaffolding
  • Skid Steers
  • Solar Panels
  • Steel
  • Tank Farm Equipment
  • Tile
  • Towers
  • Tractors
  • Tubing
  • Wind Blades
August 13, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

Flatbed Trucking Provides Options for Construction Companies and Manufacturers

Flatbed trucking offers loading and transporting advantages for those working at construction sites and manufacturing locations. Great Western Transportation knows this because their transport services are catered to these industries.

Hauling

The ability to haul loads promptly is important to those in the industry of construction and manufacturing. Great Western Transportation is familiar with the need to meet deadlines and get in and out of a customer’s location efficiently. Capable drivers, on staff, know how to navigate a flatbed around clearances and obstacles that can be common at a construction site or manufacturer’s headquarters.  Safe hauling of goods and equipment is always a priority and can be done efficiently by those who have experience in maneuvering a flatbed.

Forklift Access

Flatbed trucking is also a good way to move large-sized items and mass quantities.  A flatbed works efficiently for construction and manufacturing customers who utilize forklifts, because a forklift can maneuver parallel to all sides of a flatbed for easier loading and off-loading options. There are no ceilings or wall perimeters to limit loading access. No roofs, no sides and no doors make for increased options for stacking and organizing.

Loading Space

The open concept of a flatbed and the expertise from Great Western Transportation offers the ability to load numerous items and equipment easier. Customers can pack, stack and secure all sides of a flatbed, and even tarp for safekeeping, during the transit process of moving and hauling. Wide loads or oversized loads are not an issue for the trained drivers at Great Western Transportation.

Drop Deck Flatbeds

No matter if it is tools, supplies, large motorized equipment or raw materials, there are many different types of flatbeds that can be used for hauling. A regular flatbed or an extendible (stretch) flatbed can be utilized for oversized jobs. Great Western Transportation is also familiar with drop deck flatbeds which offer two deck levels and have extra axles. This can be useful for flatbed trucking of heavier or taller cargo loads.

Contact Great Western Transportation for more information on flatbed trucking for those in construction and/or manufacturing.

July 26, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed

Heavy Haul Trucking: Understanding It’s Value

The transportation industry wouldn’t be able to function the way that it needs to if it weren’t for the coordinated efforts of everyone in the industry pulling in the same direction. This is why heavy haul trucking plays such an important role in the industry.

What is Heavy Haul Trucking?

Just as the name implies, heavy haul trucking involves taking oversized or heavy loads where they need to go. There are certain loads that exceed the physical or regulatory limits imposed on a standard truck. Therefore, it may be necessary to use a heavy haul truck to get certain material moved to where it needs to go.

What Can Heavy Haul Trucking Do?

Think about a time when you needed to order a particularly large item. If it were not for the hard work of dedicated heavy haul truckers, it simply wouldn’t be possible for you to get the material that you wanted. Luckily, those who participate in heavy haul trucking are able to get that material where it needs to go. These heavy haul truckers are happy to take those loads and get them across town or across the country.

Common Types of Heavy Haul Loads

There are certain types of loads that are more likely to fall under the heavy haul category. In fact, there are even certain types of vehicles that are considered “heavy haul” vehicles. For example, bulldozers are considered to be a heavy haul vehicle because they so often are carrying significantly large loads to wherever they need to go.

It is also common for military vehicles to be heavy haul vehicles. The same is true of many construction and industrial vehicles. All of these types of vehicles can fairly and accurately be described as heavy haul vehicles. Now that you know this, you will know what to be on the lookout for the next time you see one of these out on the road.

July 17, 2024 | | Category: Heavy Haul

The Versatility and Tarp Protection of Flatbed Trucking

With the different types of flatbed trailers, there is a transport solution for almost every heavy or unusual haul you may need. At Great Western Transportation, we have the logistic experts to help you get your oversized construction equipment and variable-sized materials moved with care. Safety is one of our top concerns. While we source with the best trucking operators, our team stays up-to-date on all the rules and regulations of the industry.

Secure Moves are Top Priority

Securing loads is a priority in the trucking industry. As of the beginning of this year, new “Cargo Securement Rules” took effect, as laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “The intent of the new requirements is to reduce the number of accidents caused by cargo shifting on or within, or falling from, commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce, and to harmonize to the greatest extent practicable U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cargo securement regulations.”

Securing Flatbed Hauls with the Addition of Tarps

No matter the transportation method, avoiding cargo shifts is the ultimate goal. While chains and tie-downs hold equipment and materials in place, another layer of protection is through heavy-duty tarps. As there are different types of flatbed trailers, there are also different types of flatbed tarps, as explained in detail at U.S. Cargo Control. In addition to assisting in cargo securement, flatbed tarps offer protection from environmental influences, such as high winds and inclement weather.

Let Great Western Maneuver Every Flatbed Haul

There are multiple factors to consider when transporting heavy and usual loads.  When you partner with our team, we take the burden off you by offering the best transportation solution. Our extensive network of shippers allows us to give our customers a faster turnaround time. Let Great Western maneuver the busy roads and highways for you. It’s what we do best.

June 17, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed, General