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Flatbed truck hauling tarped, strapped lumber on a highway at sunset
Flatbed Transport

Flatbed Transport Services

All Coast Express provides flatbed transportation for oversized, heavy, and non-standard industrial freight across the United States. Open-deck trailers with proper securement, tarping, and 24/7 dispatch coordination for construction, industrial, and manufacturing cargo.

FMCSA Licensed Freight Broker48 States24/7 Dispatch
What Is Flatbed Transport?

Flatbed transport uses open-deck trailers without sides or a roof — allowing cargo to be loaded from the top, sides, or rear using cranes, forklifts, or other heavy equipment. This makes flatbed the right choice for oversized loads, heavy machinery, construction materials, steel, lumber, and any freight that cannot fit inside or be loaded through the rear doors of an enclosed trailer.

All Coast Express handles flatbed freight with the same operational discipline applied to our refrigerated and dry van services — proper securement, live GPS tracking, and 24/7 dispatch coordination from pickup to delivery.

Forklift loading bundled steel beams onto a flatbed trailer
Our Flatbed Services

Standard Flatbed

48' and 53' open-deck trailers for steel, lumber and building materials.

  • 48 and 53-foot flatbed options
  • Top, side, and rear loading capability
  • Tarping available for weather protection

Step-Deck Trailers

Lower deck height for tall cargo, avoiding height permits on many loads.

  • Lower deck for tall cargo
  • Eliminates need for height permits on many loads
  • Heavy equipment and machinery transport

Heavy & Oversized Loads

Oversize and overweight coordination, including permits and escorts.

  • Oversize and overweight load coordination
  • Permit acquisition support
  • Escort coordination when required

Proper Securement & Tarping

FMCSA-compliant securement with straps, chains and tarping.

  • FMCSA-compliant load securement
  • Straps, chains, binders, and edge protectors
  • Tarping for weather-sensitive cargo

Construction & Industrial

Steel beams, precast concrete, machinery and industrial equipment.

  • Steel and metal products
  • Construction materials and lumber
  • Heavy machinery and equipment

Live GPS & 24/7 Dispatch

Real-time tracking and dispatch support from pickup to delivery.

  • Real-time GPS visibility
  • 24/7 dispatch coordination
  • Proactive status updates
Common Flatbed Cargo Types
Steel coils chained down on a flatbed trailer

Steel & Metal Products

We match each load with vetted flatbed carriers equipped for metal freight.

Strapped lumber and building materials on a flatbed at a construction site

Construction Materials

Lumber, precast concrete and building supplies for construction job sites.

Excavator chained to a step-deck trailer

Heavy Machinery

Industrial and agricultural equipment that requires open-deck loading.

Prefabricated modular building section strapped on a flatbed trailer

Modular & Prefab Components

Modular building components and large assemblies beyond enclosed trailer dimensions.

Bins of onions and sacks of potatoes on a flatbed trailer

Bulk Produce

Onions, potatoes and produce in bins or sacks.

Something else?

If it fills a flatbed, send us the details.

Get a Quote

Have a flatbed load?

Tell us your lane and freight details and we'll quote your full truckload.

Why Choose All Coast Express For Flatbed
48States
24/7Dispatch
3Trailer Types

One Broker, Three Trailer Types

Reefer, dry van and flatbed under one relationship, moved through our vetted carrier network.

Fast Quotes, 24/7 Dispatch

Send your lane and our team gets back to you quickly.

FMCSA Licensed Freight Broker

Every flatbed shipment is coordinated under full FMCSA compliance.

Nationwide Coverage

Full truckload coverage across all 48 states.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a flatbed and a step-deck trailer?

A standard flatbed has a single deck height of approximately 60 inches from the ground. A step-deck (drop-deck) has a lower rear deck — typically 36 to 42 inches — which allows taller cargo to be transported without exceeding legal height limits. Step-decks are the right choice for machinery, equipment, and tall industrial loads that would require special height permits on a standard flatbed.

Do you handle oversized or overweight loads?

Yes. For freight exceeding standard legal dimensions or weight limits, we coordinate the necessary oversize and overweight permits, route planning, and escort services when required. Contact our team with your load specifications and we will determine the right equipment and permitting requirements for your shipment.

Is tarping available for flatbed loads?

Yes. Tarping is available for flatbed loads that require weather protection during transit — such as steel, lumber, machinery with sensitive components, or any cargo that could be damaged by rain or road debris. Let us know your requirements when requesting a quote.

How quickly can I get a flatbed freight quote?

We respond quickly. For urgent or permit-heavy loads, call dispatch at +1 786 809 0152.

What securement standards do you follow for flatbed loads?

All flatbed loads are secured in compliance with FMCSA cargo securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393). This includes proper use of straps, chains, binders, edge protectors, and blocking/bracing as required by the cargo type and weight. Pre-trip securement checks are performed before departure and en-route checks are conducted at required intervals.

Need Flatbed Transport
For Your Freight?

Send us your lane and our team gets back to you quickly.