BC Cargo and their Service Providers make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of information on this website. If for any reason the information is not correct BC Cargo and their Service Providers are not responsible for an errors on these pages. Please verify any information in question prior to making a purchase.
BC Cargo and their Service Providers make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of information on this website. If for any reason the information is not correct BC Cargo and their Service Providers are not responsible for an errors on these pages. Please verify any information in question prior to making a purchase.
A flat deck equipment trailer is an open, platform-style trailer with no sides or roof, designed to easily load and transport heavy, large, or unusually shaped items like construction machinery and vehicles. Its simple, low-profile design allows for loading from all sides with forklifts and other equipment, maximizing space for bulky cargo that wouldn’t fit in an enclosed trailer.
Flat deck trailers are used to transport a variety of heavy, bulky, or oversized items that are difficult to fit into enclosed trailers, making them ideal for construction, agriculture, logistics, and commercial sectors. Common uses include hauling heavy machinery, vehicles, large equipment, construction materials like lumber and steel, and other industrial or commercial goods that require easy, 360-degree loading with cranes or forklifts.
The different types of flat deck trailers vary by deck configuration, length, and features. Common types include Standard Flatbeds for general cargo, Step-Deck (Drop-Deck) and Double-Drop (Lowboy) trailers for taller loads, Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers for loading heavy equipment by driving it on, and Conestoga and Side Kit trailers that offer weather protection. Additionally, Extendable (Stretch) versions of these trailers exist to accommodate extra-long freight.
The main difference is the deck’s position relative to the wheels: a flat deck trailer has a deck positioned between the wheels, creating a lower profile with better stability and easier loading for items that fit within the wheel wells. A deckover trailer has its deck positioned above the wheels, providing a wide, unobstructed, and continuous loading surface ideal for wider and bulkier items like large equipment and multiple vehicles, though it has a higher center of gravity and requires longer ramps for loading.
When choosing a flat deck trailer, consider its payload capacity, trailer size, construction material (aluminum vs. steel), load securement features, trailer configuration (ramps, etc.), budget, and the towing capacity of your vehicle. Matching these factors to the type and weight of your typical cargo, where you will be hauling, and your budget will ensure you select an appropriate, durable, and safe trailer for your needs.
To properly secure a load on a flatbed trailer, you must distribute the weight evenly, anchor the load using direct and indirect tie-downs like straps or chains, and apply sufficient tension with a tensioning device, ensuring the tiedowns reach the trailer’s secure points. Use protective corner and edge protectors to prevent wear and tear on the load and straps. After securing, perform a thorough initial check and re-check the load securement after driving a short distance and periodically throughout the journey to account for shifting and settling.
