Flatbed trucks are characterized by their open, level trailers with no sides or roof, hence the name “flatbed.” This design facilitates the loading and unloading of large freight that wouldn’t fit inside a standard 53-foot trailer. Cargo on flatbeds is secured using straps, tarps, and other locking devices to ensure it stays in place during transport. The open nature of the flatbed allows freight to be lifted from above by a crane or from the sides by a forklift.

Flatbed trucks are commonly used to transport construction materials, large manufactured parts, and various oversized loads—defined as any cargo wider than 8.5 feet. These oversized loads require red flags and lights for visibility on the road.

A flatbed trailer can carry up to 48,000 pounds, with trailer lengths varying from 24 to 53 feet, the most common being 48 feet. The maximum legal width for flatbed cargo is 8.5 feet, and the maximum height is also 8.5 feet. The deck of a flatbed trailer typically sits 60 inches above the ground.

Since flatbeds lack a container to shield the cargo, tarps are used to cover the material. However, covering a load with a tarp isn’t as simple as just draping it over the cargo. It requires careful consideration of the tarp material and proper safety measures to ensure the load is adequately protected and secured.