OPEN-DECK TRANSPORTATION
Flatbed freight and trucking for loads that won’t fit in a van.
When a shipment needs overhead crane loading, side loading, unusual dimensions or open-deck handling, flatbed transportation may be the right fit. 2A Logistics coordinates commercial flatbed freight shipping for industrial freight, equipment and building materials.
Flatbed freight planned around your load
Accurate dimensions are especially important for open-deck freight. A shipment’s size, weight, loading points, securement needs and required weather protection all influence equipment selection and pricing.
Common reasons shippers choose flatbed shipping
Building and construction materials
Ship bundled lumber, steel products, industrial supplies or job-site materials with a clear unloading plan.
Equipment and machinery
Arrange transport for appropriately prepared machinery, generators, skidded equipment or components that need open-deck access.
Fabricated or long materials
Evaluate deck space and securement for pipe, beams, fabricated steel and other nonstandard packaged loads.
Flatbed details that affect securement and price
Securement and protection
Identify proper tie-down points, edge protection, dunnage and whether tarps are required. The carrier is responsible for safe and compliant securement.
Dimensional restrictions
Overall loaded height, width and length may trigger specialized equipment or permitting. Do not assume a standard flatbed will work.
Job-site unloading
Verify whether forklifts, cranes or other lifting equipment will be on site and when the truck can arrive.
What to include in a flatbed freight quote request
Sending complete shipment details helps us evaluate appropriate capacity and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth. Include as much of the following as you have:
- Cargo length, width, height and gross weight
- Piece count, packaging and center of gravity if relevant
- Forklift/crane or other loading and unloading plan
- Tarps, chains, straps or protective handling notes
- Pickup and delivery site access restrictions
- Any projection, special permit or appointment concerns
Have an unusual requirement or incomplete specifications? Explain what you know, and we’ll work through the outstanding details with you.
Flatbed trucking FAQs
Can my shipment be tarped?
Tarping depends on the freight shape, required protection, and available equipment. Specify the tarp requirement before obtaining a firm quote.
What if the freight is wider than a legal load?
Provide exact loaded dimensions. Oversize routing, permits and equipment must be assessed before scheduling.
Do you only handle full flatbed loads?
We can review individual shipment requirements, including smaller open-deck moves. The appropriate truck and price depend on cargo and market availability.
Free freight planning tools
Not sure whether your materials call for an open-deck truck or an enclosed alternative?
FREIGHT PLANNING TOOLS
Planning a shipment? Use these free tools to organize cargo details before requesting pricing.
LICENSED. ACCOUNTABLE. EASY TO VERIFY.
Nationwide freight. Personal accountability.
2A Logistics is a licensed freight broker. Check our operating authority any time on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s public database before you tender a load.
- Broker authority: MC# 1553863
- USDOT#: 4083166
- SCAC: TYUP
- Verify: look up 2A Logistics on FMCSA SAFER
- Office: 110 E. Wayne St., Suite 1200, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
- Talk to a person: 260-408-6809 · 2a@2a-us.com
See how we work as a nationwide truckload freight broker · All freight services · About 2A Logistics
Ready to move your freight?
Tell 2A Logistics what you’re moving, where it is, and when it needs to arrive. We can review the requirements and follow up with equipment and pricing options. A submitted request is not a confirmed booking.
Need an urgent conversation? Call 260-408-6809, extension 1.
More shipper guidance: read the related article on the 2A Logistics blog.