Flatbed trucks are large vehicles consisting of flat bodies without sides and a roof. This awkward design is a deliberate effort to accommodate cargo that’s too big for enclosed trucks.

In the same vein, its unique design simplifies any attempt to unload and load cargo on a flatbed truck. You can efficiently operate and manoeuvre a forklift into place from any direction.

Sure, a flatbed truck’s design makes it easy to carry heavy cargo. But the design also comes with unique challenges. For one, cargo on a flatbed truck has to brave exposure to the elements. Sunlight, sand and rain can affect the integrity of your flatbed cargo. Secondly, extra meticulousness regarding cargo securing is important.

The challenges above mean you’ll need effective tips to ensure successful flatbed hauling.

Perhaps you’re looking to make a career out of flatbed hauling. Or maybe you have a one-off need and trucking experience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to flatbed hauling.

Must-Know Tips for Successful Flatbed Hauling

The following tips will help you prevent avoidable accidents and flatbed hauling delays.

Tie-Down Equipment and Cargo Placement

Selecting the right tie-down equipment for your cargo is first on the list of tips for flatbed hauling — that and cargo placement. You shouldn’t arrange cargo on a flatbed truck randomly. Instead, you should have a comprehensive cargo placement plan that allows even weight distribution.

The next step is to decide the amount of tie-downs you need and their positions on the flatbed. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends one tie-down for every 10 feet of load. For example, say your flatbed freight is 45-foot long. Following the recommendation above, you’ll need five tie-downs to secure your cargo.

Another talking point is the load limit on your tie-down straps, chains, and other securement devices. The ideal recommendation is to go with a working load limit that’s half of your flatbed freight’s weight.

You can always check the tags or ask about the load limits when you buy cargo control equipment. Other tips to help you choose the best tie-downs for flatbed hauling include:

• Double-check that the chain binders, ratchet straps and chains will keep the cargo securely in place while the truck is moving
• Choose cargo straps with less abrasive material, e.g. lumber and plastic piping
• Edge protectors can extend how long your tie-down straps remain in good condition
• Check on your cargo control equipment every 50 miles to make sure your load isn’t shifting

Double Check the Numbers

The last tip for flatbed hauling indicates you’ll have to do a bit of math. Double-check the numbers to ensure you’re safely distributing cargo.

Firstly, you’ll want to ensure you’re not exceeding the trailer’s maximum weight limits. Staying within this limit will prevent the rig from spilling or swerving while you’re on the road.

The best calculation practices for hauling flatbed include:

• Make sure 60% of the rig sits in the flatbed trailer’s front half.
• Start load stacking in the flatbed’s central position, moving outward to ensure even weight distribution.
• Heavier items should be lower than the deck area and right on top of the axles. Meeting this requirement will ensure the flatbed truck has a low gravity centre throughout the trip.

Take a Second Look at the Tarps

This tip for flatbed hauling is vital due to the lack of enclosed ends on the rig. Therefore, you’ll need tarps to insulate your cargo against the elements.

The good news is you have the luxury of choice with flatbed tarps. You can choose any option from regular sheet tarps to complex tarp structures. The goal here is to choose the right tarp for your cargo.

Other options include:

• Lumber tarp
• Steel tarps
• Smoke tarps
• Clear glass tarps

The options above will require manual attachment every time you use the rig. If you’re a trucker looking to haul flatbed freight regularly, it may be wiser to invest in a tarp system.

A tarp system is an intricate framework that provides the illusion of a dry van enclosure. As long as the freight dimensions are within the width and height recommendations, you’re good to go.

Tarp Maintenance is Key

Your attitude to tarp maintenance will affect their performance. Tarps need to be devoid of holes, stains and tatters to remain effective. Therefore, it’s important to assess your tarps periodically, ensuring they’re in good condition.

You’ll also need to clean them regularly, depending on how often you use them. You can easily purchase a cleaning solution in a grocery store near you. Just ensure the tarps are fully dry before you store them.

This tip for flatbed hauling is especially important if you’re looking to start a trucking business. You don’t want a surprise inspection by regulatory bodies to turn up damaged tarps. It can affect your compliance and safety ratings, limiting your ability to secure hauling gigs.

Follow Precautions

The lack of an enclosure on a flatbed rig means you’ll need to take extra care while loading, unloading and transporting cargo. The following flatbed hauling tips will prevent accidents:

• Use non-slip footwear and ankle supports while driving your truck
• Avoid obstructed walkways around your flatbed rig
• Look out for narrow ledges while loading the rig. You don’t want to fall off the right while loading flatbed cargo.
• Use the steps while climbing off a flatbed trailer. Don’t jump off the rig
• Fleet safety solution will help you track dangerous rig driving behaviour while you’re on the road

Stick to Standard Flatbed Truck Dimensions

One of the key tips for flatbed hauling is ensuring you stay within recommended freight dimensions. These dimensions include the width, height and corresponding weight capacity of your rig.

The general rule is to ensure the total weight (truck, trailer and cargo) doesn’t exceed 80,000 lbs. Although, this limit may change depending on the type of flatbed truck you’re driving. Here’s what we mean:

Standard Flatbeds

• Length: 48-53 feet
• Width: 8.5 feet
• Height: 8.5 feet
• Freight weight: 48,000 – 52,000 lbs

Step-deck Flatbeds

• Top-deck length: 11 feet
• Bottom-deck length: 37 feet
• Bottom-rock height: 10 feet
• Width: 8 feet and 6 inches
• Freight Weight: 48,000 lbs

Extendable Flatbeds

• Freight weight: 43,000 lbs
• Maximum length: 80 feet
• Minimum length: 48 feet
• Maximum height: 8 feet and 6 inches
• Maximum width: 8 feet and 6 inches

Double Drop Flatbeds

The maximum allowable freight weight is 36,000 – 42,000 pounds.

For the rig’s main deck:

• Height: 11 feet and 6 inches
• Length: 25-29 feet
• Width: 8 feet and 6 inches

For the rig’s front deck:

• Height: 8 feet and 6 inches
• Width: 8 feet and 6 inches
• Length: 10 feet

For your trailer’s front deck:

• Height: 10 feet
• Width: 8 feet and 6 inches
• Length: 9 feet.

Side-kit

Freight weight: 45,000 lbs

Width: 8 feet and 4 inches

Height: 8 feet and 6 inches

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Know the Rig You’re Driving

Above, we’ve provided a list of practical tips for safe flatbed hauling. However, you’ll need an in-depth understanding of your flatbed truck to implement these tips.

Below are the different types of flatbed trucks and when to use them.

Step Deck Flatbed

A step-deck flatbed has two decks — a bottom and a top one. It’s best for cargo that’s too tall or wide for a standard flatbed rig.

Cargo on a step-deck usually rides low on the trailer. This way, you can pass under low bridges even when carrying tall freight.

Extendable Flatbeds

The best flatbed hauling practices demand an extendable rig for cargo with a length longer than a standard flatbed trailer. You can haul freight with an extendable flatbed without any worries about overhang.

You’ll want to check local governments restrictions if you’re using an extendable flatbed rig. There are cases where you may need a special permit or escort vehicles to use one legally.

Stretch Single-Drop Flatbed

This type of flatbed truck has a feature that allows you to increase the length of its loading bed where necessary. Essentially, this flatbed trailer can stretch to carry cargo that regular flatbeds can’t carry legally. You can also use a bulkhead attachment to secure large cargo at the trailer’s front. This extra attachment will stop freight from becoming loose during sudden brakes.

Removable Gooseneck Trailer

Also known as RGNs, these trailers are ideal for long, tall loads. They’re great for hauling large machinery, thanks to a detachable ramp. You can also drop the trailer on the ground and drive heavy vehicles onto the right deck position.

A removable gooseneck trailer comes with multiple axles that allow you to easily deliver heavy cargo. These axles also contribute to increased balance while driving the rig.

Double Drop

The best way to achieve successful flatbed hauling when you’re shipping items over 10 feet tall is to use a double drop rig.

A double drop flatbed has front and rear decks. It also has a well in the middle, usually 25-29 feet, to carry tall freight.

A double drop flatbed rig is one of the most complicated out there. Most likely, you’ll need a crane to load and unload it safely.

Side-kit Flatbed

This flatbed truck comes with curved steel spines and metal stakes around the trailer. These panels and metal features provide a structure that allows drivers to install tarps easily. The attached tarps and the side-kit’s unique design will combine to prevent damage to sensitive cargo.

Lowboy Flatbed Trailer

Lowboy flatbed trailers are a viable alternative for cargo that’s too tall for a step-deck flatbed. They have a close resemblance to step deck flatbeds. But they also have a double drop feature that allows the trailer to sit lower compared to a standard drop deck model.

A typical lowboy trailer sits 18 inches away from the ground. This ultra-low height means it can safely accommodate cargo up to 11 feet, 6 inches tall.

Questions to Ask Before Driving a Flatbed Truck

This section of our guide to flatbed hauling is for drivers looking to make a career out of this trucking option. You must answer the following questions before you worry about the best way to haul flatbed freight.

• Do you want to be home every night, or are you fine with long hours on the road?
• How many days a week are you willing to work during peak haulage seasons?
• Do you want to drive the flatbed truck yourself or will you prefer to hire experts?
• Are you comfortable driving a heavy rig at night?

The answers to the questions above will inform your decision to become a professional flatbed truck driver. You also have to consider the potential for accidents before you hit the road. If you don’t have the trucking experience, it may be better to farm out the job to a reputable trucking service.

Career flatbed truck drivers should prepare for the possibility of shock changes in their driving schedules. Flat tires, engine failure, extreme weather and road closures can contribute to changes in your plans.

Related Article: What Are Tire Chains and When Do You Need Them?

Final Thoughts

The most important tip to flatbed hauling is ensuring you select the right tie-down equipment for your cargo. We have also discussed other tips to ensure your flatbed trucking projects take place successfully.

We sell effective cargo control equipment for different hauling needs at Toronto Trailers. Look through our online store for the best selection of cargo control equipment in Ontario.