Services
Flatbed & Heavy Haul
Oversized, heavy, or irregular freight? Flatbed is the answer. From steel beams to machinery, we load it secure and move it safely.
Flatbed trucking is essential for freight that won't fit through standard trailer doors — steel beams, construction lumber, machinery, pipes, prefabricated building materials, and industrial equipment. With no sides or roof, flatbeds allow top, side, and crane loading while keeping oversized and irregular cargo secure with chains, straps, tarps, and edge protectors.
Flatbed shipping rates in the USA have seen significant volatility due to capacity constraints, permit requirements, and specialized equipment demand. LoadFox provides transparent, itemized flatbed quotes that account for dimensions, weight, tarping, escort needs, and lane-specific capacity — so you know what you're paying for before the truck arrives.
Beyond standard flatbeds, LoadFox coordinates step deck, double drop, RGN (removable gooseneck), and multi-axle heavy haul equipment for oversized and overweight freight. Our team handles permit routing, state-by-state clearance, and escort coordination for legal superload moves.
Construction firms, steel distributors, machinery manufacturers, and energy companies rely on flatbed capacity that shows up on time with the right securement expertise. LoadFox vets carriers for flatbed experience, cargo securement certification, and safety compliance on every heavy haul move.
Why Choose LoadFox for Flatbed?
- ✓Step deck, RGN, and multi-axle options
- ✓Permit and escort coordination
- ✓Route surveys for oversized loads
- ✓Experienced carriers for industrial freight
Ideal For
- •Steel coils, beams, plate, and structural metal
- •Construction lumber, pipe, and building materials
- •Industrial machinery and manufacturing equipment
- •Prefabricated structures and modular components
- •Oversized freight exceeding 8'6" width or 13'6" height
- •Heavy haul exceeding 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight
Equipment Types
- 48' and 53' Standard Flatbed
- Step Deck (Drop Deck) for taller freight
- Double Drop / Lowboy for heavy equipment
- RGN (Removable Gooseneck) for drivable loads
- Multi-axle stretch trailers for long loads
- Conestoga (curtained flatbed) for weather protection
How Flatbed Shipping Works
- 1
Dimensions & Weight
Provide exact length, width, height, and weight. Oversized loads require dimension verification for permit routing.
- 2
Permits & Route Survey
For oversized/overweight freight, we coordinate state permits, bridge analysis, and escort requirements before dispatch.
- 3
Carrier & Equipment Match
We assign a carrier with the right trailer type, securement gear, and lane experience for your commodity.
- 4
Load, Haul & Deliver
Driver loads, secures per DOT regulations, and delivers. POD and any permit documentation provided upon completion.
Nationwide Coverage
LoadFox coordinates flatbed and heavy haul freight nationwide. High-demand flatbed markets include Texas oil and gas, Midwest manufacturing, Southeast construction, and Northeast steel distribution corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What freight requires a flatbed?+
Any cargo that cannot be loaded through enclosed trailer doors, exceeds standard interior dimensions, or requires top/side/crane loading. Common examples: steel, lumber, machinery, pipes, and prefab structures.
Do you handle permits for oversized loads?+
Yes. LoadFox coordinates state overweight/oversize permits, route surveys, pilot car escorts, and bridge analysis for legal superload moves across the USA.
What drives flatbed shipping rates?+
Rates depend on dimensions, weight, equipment type (standard flatbed vs step deck vs RGN), tarping requirements, permit costs, lane capacity, fuel, and seasonal construction demand.
What is the difference between flatbed and step deck?+
A step deck (drop deck) has a lowered well section, allowing taller freight (up to ~10'6") to stay within legal height limits without permits. Standard flatbeds suit cargo under 8'6" tall.
How is flatbed freight secured?+
DOT regulations require proper securement using chains, binders, straps, edge protectors, and dunnage. Experienced flatbed drivers are certified in cargo securement. LoadFox only assigns carriers with documented securement compliance.
Can flatbed freight be covered for weather?+
Yes. Tarps (steel, lumber, smoke) protect weather-sensitive cargo. Conestoga trailers provide enclosed protection with flatbed loading flexibility. Specify tarping needs when requesting a quote.