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.
