Flatbed Trucking Columbus OH

Reliable and market priced flatbed transport is crucial for all companies that require freight transport which can not be accommodated by a standard dry van. When your manufacturing company will require in the near future a 48′ or 53′ flatbed trailer in Columbus, OH for freight shipping anywhere in the continental US and to Canadian destinations, get a flatbed quote from Great Western Transportation.

The flatbed trucking experts at Great Western Transportation are here for you! Just a call or click away.

In today’s competitive business climate shipping of commodity or operational supplies and equipment is an important factor for a businesses’ bottom line. Diverse companies located in Columbus, OH need transportation services that are competitively priced and provide on time deliveries and pick ups.

Several of the key companies and businesses operating in the Columbus, OH area are:

  • APCO Industries Inc
  • Cabot Industries
  • Evo Industries Inc
  • Flexible Manufacturing
  • Lotek Heavey Industries
  • MW Industries – Capital Spring Division
Flatbed Trucking Columbus, OH

Flatbed Tractor Trailer Transport Q & A

Our company does not need the whole flatbed trailer, can I pay for only a portion of it?
Yes, using only a part of a flatbed is possible, plus less expensive. This is also known as LTL, which means less-than-truckload. Our freight consultants will know and inform you if this is an option for your freight.
Flatbed LTL is always a freight cost savings option.

How big a shipment can we fit on a double-drop deck trailer?
The following are general measurements of the deck dimensions and capacity of a double drop deck trailer, but may vary slightly. The lower deck is usually 24 inches high and 29 feet, 6 inches long. Therefore the maximum height allowable on this type of trailer is 11 feet, 6 inches. The upper front deck is 5 feet high and 10 feet long. The upper back deck is 40 inches high and 8 feet, 6 inches long.

What is an RGN (Removable Goose Neck)?
These are know in industry jargon as a “detach”. These types of trailers are mainly used for hauling construction equipment, cranes, forklifts and other self-propelled equipment that can be driven on and off. The goose-neck detaches and is pulled away from the lower deck along with the tractor, clearing the way to drive the load onto the trailer. The RGN is found in various configurations of deck types (flat floor, beam or drop side), lengths, heights and variable configurations of axles.

What transportation services does your trucking company provide?
We offer full truckload, partial truckload, LTL motor freight, expedited freight, power only and port delivery for international deliveries. Plus all trailer types: refrigerated, dry vans, flatbed and heavy haul.

Are trailers available with side-kits?
Yes, we can provide a tractor-trailer with side-kits, you must tell us this when booking the side-kit flatbed trailer.

Flatbed Trucking Load Securement?
Various devices ranging from straps to heavy duty chains are used to secure flatbed freight. To protect loads from chaffing damage by straps: Vee Boards, Strap Guards, Corner Guards, Cargo Guards or corner protectors are used.

At flatbed trailer booking time please notify us that strap protection will be required for the load.

Can your company provide heavy duty forklift services?
The driver or we do not provide heavy duty forklift services. However, when you call us we will advise you as to the best possible solutions.

Do you ship agricultural tractors?
Yes, we ship all agricultural equipment and of course tractors too. Call us to get a competitive market rate to ship your agricultural equipment.

Flatbed Tractor Trailers

  • Conestoga (Curtain Van – provides freight protection from elements of the road)
  • Low Boy or Double Drop – ie: XL Specialized Trailer
  • Extendable Flatbeds
  • Flatbed 48 foot or 53 foot
  • RGN (Removable GooseNeck)
  • Specialized Overdimensional Trailers for Heavy Haul
  • Step Deck
  • Stretch Double-Drop
  • Stretch RGN (Removable Goose Neck)

If you are a start up company or not so frequent flatbed tractor trailer shipper following are some tips we would like to offer you to make your shipping experience with Great Western Transportation the best possible and ensuring your shipment is within your budget and that you receive excellent service.

Always Consider Packaging, Crating or Palletizing
Great Western Transportation picks up and delivers to all commercial addresses, however, your boxes should be palletized, crates should be fork-lift-able or packaging must be appropriate for flatbed transport. Utilize shrink-wrapping when appropriate. In the case of bulky machinery, there may be a need for heavy duty fork lift service, crane service or complete rigging services. Allow for ample time in advance to book any additional services required for your freight.

Cold Weather Issues When Shipping Machinery
When shipping machinery or parts during the winter months or through freezing weather regions, note that there are special weather-proofing steps to take if the machinery has water or other liquid that can freeze in it. If a flatbed type of trailer is utilized, the freight may have to be shrink wrapped for added protection from road debris, grime and moisture. Additionally if tarps are required, this should be noted on the order prior to shipping.

Expedited Shipments
When your shipment has to be expedited always make sure to let your freight consultant at Great Western Transportation know in advance!

Once the shipment has been picked up, the process of getting it expedited is generally not possible. Initially you may have to pay a slightly higher rate, but this guarantees expedited service. The reason why expedited service must be noted up front is because team drivers are needed for the truck. The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates how many hours a truck driver can legally drive during a certain period of time. Thus having two drivers allows for the tractor-trailer to be on the road longer versus single driver.

Accurate Shipment Details:

  • Dimension Length-Width-Height
  • Weight (Total) – Round Up Numbers
  • Item Count
  • Pick-up Time and Date
  • Pick-up Address
  • Contact Person(s)
  • Office and Cell Phone Numbers
  • Delivery Address
  • Shipment Information the Carrier Should be Aware Of

Flatbed Trucking Rates

Flatbed shipping rates vary due to some key factors: freight weight and dimensions, the requirement for oversize or overweight permits, shortages of flatbed trailers in specific geographic areas and the need for a specific type of not so common trailer type. For rate quotes, live support and a single contact person flatbed trucking solution call now.