A flatbed is an open trailer with no walls or roof, used for freight that loads by crane or forklift from the side or top, or that will not fit inside a van. A standard flatbed is 48 or 53 feet long and carries up to about 48,000 lb. Legal loads are up to 8 ft 6 in wide and, on a standard flatbed, about 8 ft 6 in tall.
What ships on a flatbed
- Steel, pipe and coils
- Lumber and building materials
- Machinery and equipment
- Crated or oversized industrial freight
Tarps and securement
The driver secures the load with straps or chains and, if the freight must stay dry or clean, covers it with tarps. Tell us whether tarping is required and how tall the load is, because tarp size and labor affect the price.
Oversize loads
Freight wider than 8 ft 6 in, or taller than the legal overall height once loaded, needs permits and sometimes escorts. Give exact dimensions and weight of the largest piece so the right trailer and permits are planned.
| Trailer | Deck height | Max legal freight height | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flatbed | About 5 ft | About 8 ft 6 in | Most open-deck freight |
| Step deck | About 3 ft 6 in on the lower deck | About 10 ft | Taller machinery and equipment |
| Double drop / RGN | About 1 ft 6 in to 2 ft in the well | About 11 ft 6 in | Very tall or drive-on equipment |
Common questions
What is the difference between a flatbed and a step deck?
A step deck has a lower main deck, which lets it carry taller freight, about 10 feet, without an over-height permit.
Do flatbed loads need tarps?
Only when the freight must be protected from weather or road spray. Many steel and lumber loads ship untarped. Tarping adds cost, so specify it at quote time.
Written by the MeritSpan Logistics team. Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Figures are typical values; equipment and carrier rules vary.