Flatbed Freight: What Shippers Should Know Before Booking

By Ovation TransportationOctober 8, 20264 min read

Blue conventional semi truck hauling a load on a rural American road

What you will learn

  • Flatbed suits freight that does not fit in a box trailer
  • Securement uses straps, chains, and sometimes tarps
  • Share dimensions and loading method before pickup

Flatbed trailers are open decks with no walls or roof, which makes them ideal for oversized, tall, or heavy freight such as lumber, steel, pipe, and machinery.

How flatbed loads are secured

Drivers secure freight with load straps, chains, binders, edge protectors, and dunnage. When the freight must stay dry, tarps cover the load.

Prepare your freight

  • Confirm dimensions, weight, and whether it can be forklifted or craned
  • Provide a loading dock or forklift if available
  • Tell the carrier if tarping is required

Need a quote? Contact Ovation Transportation or call (859) 287-6494.

Frequently asked questions

Can flatbed freight be tarped?

Yes. Tarps protect freight from weather. Let the carrier know when tarping is required so the right equipment is assigned.

Semi truck pulling a trailer down the highway at dusk
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