Flatbed transport that is reliable and spot market rate priced is crucial for all companies that require freight movement which can not be accommodated by a standard dry van. When your company will need a flatbed tractor trailer in St. Louis, MO 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 located in St. Louis, MO require transportation services that are competitively priced and provide consistent on-time deliveries and pick-ups.
Some of the major companies and businesses operating in the St. Louis, MO vicinity are:
- Tubular Steel Incorporated
- HM Metal Polishing
- Gardex Company
- Jarold Manufacturing Company
- Cobak Tool & Manufacturing Company
- Gates Manufacturing
- Sunbrite Manufacturing Company
Flatbed shipping case studies:
43,000 pounds of man-made agricultural stone was shipped on A-frames, with strap protectors from Waukesha, WI to various points in the U.S.
59,000 pounds of new construction building supplies were shipped from Cleveland, OH to a major city in the state of New Jersey.
An over dimensional load of insulated and shrink-wrapped machinery was moved from Cleveland, OH to Northern California.
Railroad maintenance equipment was hauled from Cleveland, OH to Waukesha, WI. The load was 64′ x 10′ x 12′ (LWH) and weighed 109,000 pounds.
Iron latticework and machinery was hauled on an LTL basis from Washington to Indiana.
An asphalt drum roller was moved from Cleveland, OH to Waukesha, WI.
A fiberglass wet well (used for a septic tank) was transported from Cleveland, OH to Waukesha, WI. The load was 14′ x 12’5″ x 12’5″ (LWH) and weighed 8,560 pounds.
A heavy aircraft tow tractor that weighed 86,000 pounds was shipped to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Los Angeles, CA.
A 48′ oil field trailer was moved from Cleveland, OH to Alberta, Canada for remote oil drilling operations.
A massive industrial gear box was picked up in Waukesha, WI and hauled to a new petroleum plant in Oklahoma.
A water filtration system pump weighing 21,000 pounds, was shipped from Mississippi to Rhode Island.
Flatbed Tractor Trailer Transport Q & A
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.
Can your company provide heavy duty forklift services?
The driver or we do not provide heavy duty forklift services. When booking your load be sure to specify that heavy duty forklifts are required.
Securing the Flatbed Load
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 utilized.
At flatbed trailer booking time please notify us that strap protection will be required for the load.
Do you have 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 capability.
Therefore provide accurate freight weight.
Are trailers available with side-kits?
Yes, we can get a tractor-trailer with side-kits, you must specify this when booking the side-kit flatbed trailer. Side-kit trailers are not common, but easily booked with advance notice.
What are multi-axle trailers?
These high weight capacity trailers are for overweight loads or freight. These trailers are available in many combinations of axles, decks and capacities. Our heavy haul consultant will immediately know what kind of trailer and axle configuration your load will require.
How big a shipment can I fit on a stepdeck trailer?
Generally the lower deck of a stepdeck is 40 inches high. Which means the maximum height of the freight is 10 feet, 2 inches. Depending on the trailer manufacturer, the lower deck of the step deck is 37 to 42 feet long. The upper deck is approximately 11 feet long and 60 inches from the ground. The upper deck’s maximum height of freight may be 8 feet, 6 inches.
Flatbed Trailer Availability
- Conestoga / Curtain – adds protection for freight from elements of the road.
- Double Drops or Low Boy – ie: Murray Trailer
- Extendable Flatbeds
- Flatbed 48 foot or 53 foot
- RGN (Removable GooseNeck)
- Specialized Trailers / Talbert Trailer / Heavy Haul
- Step Deck
- Stretch Double-Drop
- Stretch RGN
We at Great Western Transportation work with shippers that ship 7 times a day and shippers who ship twice a year, regardless we strive to provide the best possible service and experience at the fairest market based price. For “once in a while” shipping departments, from our experience we would like to provide the following flatbed trucking tips.
Provide Proper 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 or complete rigging services. Additional services required for your shipment should be reserved in advance.
Factor in Weather Conditions When Shipping Machinery
When shipping machinery or parts during the winter months or through mountainous regions, note that there are special pre-cautions to take if the machinery has water or other liquid that can freeze in it. When 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 at booking time.
Expedited 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 almost impossible. 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. So having team drivers allows for the tractor-trailer to be on the road longer versus a single driver.
Important Shipment Details:
- Dimension L x W x H
- Weight (Total) – Always Round Up Numbers
- Item Count
- Pickup Time and Date
- Pickup Address
- Contact Person(s)
- Office and Cell Phone Numbers
- Delivery Address
- Important Information Regarding the Shipment
Flatbed Freight
Examples of the various types of freight flatbed trailers are designed to transport: construction materials, prefabriacted concrete pieces, industrial machinery, pvc pipes, boat parts, farm equipment, oilfield machinery, boilers and all other flatbed trailer suitable commodities. For around-the-clock, live support, one-call, single contact person expedited flatbed trucking solutions, call Great Western Transportation now.
