Solid and spot market rate flatbed transport is crucial for all companies that require freight transport which can not be accommodated by a standard dry van. When your business will require in the future a standard flatbed in Naperville, IL for freight movement anywhere in the continental US and to Canadian delivery locations, get a flatbed quote from Great Western Transportation.
The flatbed trucking consultants at Great Western Transportation are here for you! Just a call or click away.
In today’s competitive business environment shipping of commodity or operational supplies and equipment is an important factor for a businesses’ bottom line. Various businesses of all sizes located in Naperville, IL need transportation services that are competitive in pricing, plus provide reliable on time deliveries and pickups.
Examples of the key companies and businesses located in the Naperville, IL area are:
- BJK Industries Inc
- Chemco Mfg Inc
- Duvan Engineering Inc
- Gravin Industries
- Multiplex Industries
- Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc
Flatbed Tractor Trailer Shipping Q & A
If I do not need the whole flatbed trailer, can I pay for only a portion of it?
Yes, using only a portion of a flatbed is possible and less expensive. This is also referred to as LTL, which means less-than-truckload. Our freight consultants will immediately tell you if this is an option for your freight.
Flatbed LTL is always a freight cost savings option.
Will your company provide tarps and tarping over loads?
Yes, as long as you tell us this when scheduling the truck. Tarping will require extra time during loading and un-loading of the freight.
Can you provide multi-stop or multiple delivery stops for my shipments?
Yes, we can transport shipments that have multiple stops or several delivery stops. Please be advised there are additional charges that may be assessed for multi-stop or multiple delivery stops loads. You will be offered of these charges at booking time.
How soon can you pick up our load?
We have an availability of trucks nationwide, we can generally have a truck at your location within a day. However, pick-up times depend on the availability of trucks in your geographic area.
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 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.
Do you ship vehicles?
Yes, we move commercial trucks or vehicles for commercial purposes, we do not move personal vehicles or autos.
Do you provide trailers with side-kits?
Yes, we can get a tractor-trailer with side-kits, you must specify this when booking the side-kit flatbed trailer.
Can you provide trailers with ramps?
Yes, we can get a tractor-trailer with ramps, you must specify this when booking the trailer.
Please understand that ramps have a maximum weight rating capacity.
Therefore provide accurate freight weight.
I need an RGN type trailer and more information on RGN trailer capabilities.
RGNs are primarily for wheeled equipment or machinery. RGNs are low to the ground and can therefore carry taller machinery. Our staff will provide all information regarding the Removable Goose Neck’s weight capacity and loading capabilities.
You must provide accurate weight and dimensions of the machinery or equipment.
Flatbed Trucking Load Securement?
Various devices ranging from straps to heavy duty chains are used to secure flatbed loads. 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 freight.
If my equipment is very expensive, are you insured for expensive freight?
Yes, we can always get supplemental insurance.
Can you provide a Landoll type of trailer?
Yes we can, but, we must know this in advance at booking time.
These types of trailers are not so common, but are available with advance notice.
Do you relocate agricultural tractors?
Yes, we relocate all agricultural equipment and of course tractors too. Call us to get a competitive market rate to relocate your agricultural equipment.
Flatbed Trailer Selection
- Conestoga (for additional freight protection)
- Double Drop or Lowbed – ie: Overbilt Trailer
- Extendable Flatbeds
- Flatbed 48′ or 53′
- RGN (Removable GooseNeck)
- Specialized Multi-Axle Trailers for Heavy Haul
- Step Deck
- Stretch Double-Drop
- Stretch RGN
Great Western Transportation strives to provide the best possible service at the best possible market based price. We understand that some shippers have vast shipping experience with flats and other may be infrequent shippers or even new or first time shippers. To make the new or first time shippers experience with Great Western Transportation the best possible, we would like to offer some flatbed trucking shipping tips.
Remember to Consider Packaging, Crating or Palletizing
Great Western Transportation picks up and delivers to all non-residential commercial addresses, however, your boxes should be palletized, crates should be fork-lift-able or packaging must be appropriate for flatbed transport. 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 reserve any additional services required for your freight.
Cold Weather Factors 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 may 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 prior to shipping.
Time Critical Shipments
When your shipment is time critical 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) mandates how many hours a truck driver can legally drive during a certain period of time. Thus having two drivers allows for the truck to be on the road longer versus single driver.
Complete Shipment Details Should Be Accurate:
- Dimension L x W x H
- Weight (Total) – Round Up Numbers
- Item Count
- Pick-up Time and Date
- Pick-up Location
- Delivery Location
- Contact Name
- Office and Cell Phone Numbers
- Other Vital Information Regarding the Shipment
Flatbed Trucking Rates
Flatbed shipping rates fluctuate because of 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.