Flatbed Freight Shipping
Open-deck trailers for freight that loads from the side, top, or crane.
Best for: Machinery, construction materials, steel, lumber, and oversized-but-legal freight.
About Flatbed Freight
Flatbed shipping moves freight on an open 48–53 ft deck with no walls or roof, so it can be loaded by crane, forklift, or from the side — ideal for machinery, building materials, steel, lumber, and equipment that won't fit in an enclosed trailer. Flatbed freight requires proper securement (chains, straps, binders) and often tarping for weather protection. Legal deck freight stays under 8.5 ft wide and about 8.5 ft tall; taller loads move to step deck or RGN. KeepShippin prices flatbed per mile with securement and tarp accessorials and dispatches carriers experienced in open-deck load securement.
Common Commodities
- Construction materials
- Steel & metal products
- Lumber & building supplies
- Machinery & equipment
- Pipe & tubing
Key Accessorials
- Tarping (weather protection)
- Chains & binders
- Straps
- Dunnage / blocking
- Coil racks / specialized securement