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Flatbed trailer for open-deck freight transport
Quickway Transports

Flatbed Transport

Open-deck trailers for steel, lumber, equipment & oversized freight — all 48 states

Flatbed Transport

Nationwide Flatbed Trailer Transport

Flatbed trailers are the most versatile open-deck trailer type in commercial trucking. With no sides or roof, flatbeds load from the top, sides, or rear and carry freight that cannot be enclosed in a dry van — steel coils, lumber, precast concrete, construction equipment, and industrial components. Quickway Transports is an FMCSA-licensed broker with access to a nationwide network of flatbed carriers.

Standard flatbeds carry up to 48,000 lbs of payload within 80,000 lbs GVW and accommodate loads up to 8.5 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall without oversize permits. Loads exceeding those dimensions require state oversize permits, which we handle for every route. We match each shipment to the right flatbed configuration — standard, extended, double-drop, or RGN — so your freight moves safely and legally.

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Key States Served TXCAFLOHGAPA All States →
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FMCSA Licensed

MC# 1245224

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Flatbed Experts

All deck types

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Permit Experts

All 48 states

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1-Hour Response

Fast quotes

Freight Types

Freight We Move on Flatbed Trailers

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Steel & Metal Products

Steel coils, beams, plates, pipe, rebar, and structural steel are among the most common flatbed loads. Proper blocking, bracing, and tarping are handled by qualified carriers.

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Lumber & Building Materials

Dimensional lumber, OSB sheets, plywood, and engineered wood products are routinely transported on flatbeds. Tarping protects moisture-sensitive cargo during transit.

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Precast Concrete

Precast wall panels, bridge beams, utility vaults, and concrete pipe require open-deck trailers that load from the top or side. We source flatbeds rated for precast concrete loads.

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Small Construction Equipment

Skid steers, mini excavators, compact wheel loaders, and small generators that fit within standard flatbed dimensions (under 8.5 ft tall) are a straightforward flatbed load.

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Electrical & Power Equipment

Distribution transformers, pad-mounted switchgear, utility poles, and electrical substation components frequently ship on flatbeds when within standard height limits.

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Machinery & Fabricated Parts

Machine frames, CNC equipment, fabricated steel structures, HVAC curb units, and industrial assembly components that cannot be boxed are natural flatbed freight.

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FAQ

Flatbed Transport — Common Questions

A standard 48-foot flatbed can carry up to 48,000 lbs of payload, with a maximum legal GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 80,000 lbs including the truck and trailer. Loads exceeding 80,000 lbs require overweight permits. Extended 53-foot flatbeds have slightly lower payload capacity due to the longer trailer weight.
Legal width without a permit is 8.5 feet (102 inches) in most states. Loads wider than 8.5 feet require oversize permits and may require wide-load banners, flags, and in some cases escort vehicles. We handle all oversize permits for loads exceeding standard dimensions.
Oversize permits are required when freight exceeds 8.5 feet wide, 13.5–14 feet tall (varies by state), 53 feet long (on most routes), or 80,000 lbs GVW. Single-trip permits are typically issued per state. We manage the full permit process so your load moves legally across every state on the route.
A flatbed has a single deck height (about 60 inches from the ground) and carries loads up to 8.5 feet tall without oversize permits. A step-deck has a lower main deck (36–42 inches) that accommodates freight up to approximately 10 feet tall — ideal for loads too tall for a flatbed but not heavy enough for an RGN. If your freight is under 8.5 feet tall, a flatbed is usually the most cost-effective choice.
Yes — if the equipment fits within standard dimensions (under 8.5 ft wide, under 8.5 ft tall, under 48,000 lbs payload). Small excavators, mini skid steers, compact generators, and trailers can move on flatbeds. Larger machines that are taller or heavier require a step-deck or RGN trailer.
Request a quote using our form or call us directly. Provide the freight type, dimensions (length, width, height), weight, and pickup/delivery locations. We respond within 1 business hour with pricing and carrier options.
Get a Quote

Get a Flatbed Transport Quote

Response within 1 business hour

Provide your freight details and we'll confirm trailer type, handle any permits required, and coordinate a qualified carrier. Free quote — all 48 states.

Do you have any questions?

Call us today at

+1 (631) 898-4248