When your equipment or freight fits within standard dimensions, a flatbed truck is the fastest, most cost-effective transport solution available. Freedom Heavy Haul operates flatbed trucks across all 48 states for loads up to 48,000 lbs and 13.5 feet tall. No crane, no complex rigging, no lengthy permit process for standard-dimension loads — just reliable, professional flatbed transport with a dedicated dispatcher from pickup to delivery.
Flatbed trucks feature an open, flat trailer deck with no sides or roof. The open design allows loading from the top, side, or rear by crane, forklift, or overhead equipment. Flatbeds are the most versatile and widely available trailer type in heavy haul transport — ideal for freight, machinery, and equipment that can be loaded without drive-on capability and fits within standard legal dimensions.
Not sure which trailer you need? Call us with your equipment dimensions and weight and we’ll recommend the right trailer type within minutes.
All flatbed loads are secured in compliance with FMCSA Chapter 4 load securement standards. Our drivers verify:
Standard flatbed loads within legal dimensions require no permits. Permits are required when:
Freedom Heavy Haul handles permits for all non-standard flatbed loads in-house. For standard loads, no permit process is required and we can typically dispatch within 24–48 hours.
Standard flatbeds carry up to 42,000–48,000 lbs of cargo. The total gross vehicle weight (truck + trailer + cargo) must stay under 80,000 lbs on interstate highways without an overweight permit. For heavier loads, step deck or lowboy configurations are required.
With a deck height of 48–54 inches, cargo can be approximately 7.5–8.5 feet tall while staying under the 13.5-foot total height limit. Taller cargo requires a step deck or lowboy to stay within legal limits.
Not for standard legal loads. If your cargo stays within 8.5 ft wide, 13.5 ft tall loaded, 53 ft long, and 80,000 lbs GVW, no permit is required. This makes flatbed the fastest option for compatible loads — we can often dispatch within 24–48 hours.
Using straps, chains, binders, blocking, and bracing per FMCSA Chapter 4 standards. The number and type of tie-downs depends on cargo weight and dimensions. Our drivers verify all securement before departure.
A flatbed has a single-level deck at 48–54 inches. A step deck has two levels — a short upper section at flatbed height and a longer lower deck at 34–36 inches. Use a step deck when cargo is too tall for a flatbed’s legal height allowance.
For standard-dimension loads within our coverage area, we can typically dispatch within 24–48 hours. Permit loads add time based on state permit processing (usually 2–5 business days).
Yes. Flatbeds are crane- or forklift-loaded from the side or top. They do not require drive-on capability. If your equipment needs to drive on under its own power, an RGN trailer is the better choice.