When your equipment or freight fits within standard dimensions, a flatbed truck is the fastest, most cost-effective transport option available. Freedom Heavy Haul arranges flatbed transport across all 48 states for loads up to 48,000 lbs and 13.5 feet tall loaded. No complex rigging and no lengthy permit process for standard-dimension loads.
Flatbed trailers have an open, flat 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 doesn’t need drive-on loading and fits within standard legal dimensions. Because there’s no protection from the elements, tarps are recommended for weather-sensitive cargo.
Not sure which trailer you need? Call us with your equipment dimensions and weight and we’ll recommend the right trailer type. Our trailer types guide compares every option side by side.
Flatbed loads must be secured in compliance with FMCSA cargo securement rules, including:
Standard flatbed loads within legal dimensions require no permits. Permits are required when:
For loads beyond those limits, Freedom Heavy Haul coordinates the permits as part of our oversized equipment transport service.
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. Heavier loads call for a lowboy or multi-axle configuration.
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, which makes flatbed the simplest option for compatible loads.
With straps, chains, binders, blocking, and bracing per FMCSA cargo securement standards. The number and type of tie-downs depends on cargo weight and dimensions.
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.
Yes. Flatbeds are crane- or forklift-loaded from the side or top and don’t require drive-on capability. If your equipment needs to drive on under its own power, an RGN trailer is the better choice.