Flatbed Equipment: Types, Specifications, & Uses

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbeds are the most common and versatile type of flatbed freight      trailers. They feature a flat, open deck without sides or a roof, allowing easy loading and unloading from any angle. 

Length: Typically, 48’ – 53’

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 48,000lbs¹

Max Height Capacity: 8’6”

Best For:

• Construction materials
• Machinery and equipment
• Steel and lumber

Step Deck Trailers

Step deck trailers, or drop deck trailers, have a lower deck that drops down after clearing the tractor unit, providing an additional 2 feet of height clearance compared to standard flatbeds.

Upper Deck Height: Typically 60”

Lower Deck Height: Approximately 38”

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 48,000lbs*

Max Height Capacity: 10’ – 10’6”
*Legally without permits

Best For:

• Freight that is too tall for standard flatbeds
• Large equipment and machinery
• Agricultural vehicles

Double Drop Trailers

Double drop trailers, also known as lowboy or low-bed trailers, have a lower deck in the middle and higher decks at the front and rear. This design allows them to carry taller loads that exceed the height limits of standard flatbeds.

Length: Typically, 24’ – 29’ for the lower deck

Deck Height: Lower deck can be as low as 18”

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 45,000lbs¹

Max Height Capacity: 11’6” – 12’^*

*Legally without permits

Best For:

• Over-height machinery
• Construction equipment
• Large industrial components

Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailers, similar to double drop trailers, have a low deck height that allows them to carry tall loads that would be over-height on other trailers.

Length: Typically 24’ – 29’

Deck Height: 18” – 24”

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 80,000lbs+**

**80,000lbs+ with additional axles

Max Height Capacity: 12’**

**Legally without permits

Best For:

• Over-height and heavy machinery
• Construction equipment
• Industrial loads

Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN)

Removable gooseneck trailers (RGN) have a detachable front that allows the trailer to be lowered to the ground, creating a ramp for easy loading of wheeled or tracked vehicles.

Length: Typically 29’ – 65’

Deck Height: As low as 18”

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 150,000lbs***

***Depending on the number of axles

Max Height Capacity: 11’6” – 12’**

**Legally without permits

Best For:

• Heavy construction equipment
• Large industrial machinery
• Military vehicles

B-Train Trailers

B-train or B-double, consists of two trailers connected by a fifth-wheel coupling, similar to a tractor-trailer connection, positioned at the rear of the lead trailer. This setup allows the trailers to be more stable and maneuverable than traditional double-trailer configurations.

Length: Typically 28’x28’ or 28’x32’

Deck Height: 40”-60”

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 90,000lbs+*

**Weight varies according to the model of the trailer and the combination with the tractor, the time of year, and the state/province.

Max Height Capacity: 8’6”

Best For:

• Heavy and bulk loads
• Construction and industrial equipment

Forestry and agricultural goods

Hot Shot Trailers

Hot shot trailers are smaller, lighter flatbed trailers typically towed by medium-duty trucks. They are ideal for smaller loads that need to be delivered quickly.

Length: Typically 20’ – 40’

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 20,000lbs*

*Ideally up to 10,000lbs as equipment capacity significantly decreases over 10,000lbs.

Max Height Capacity: 10’6”

Best For:

• Time-sensitive deliveries
• Smaller loads and partial loads
• Farm equipment

Conestoga Trailers

Conestoga trailers are flatbeds equipped with a rolling tarp system that provides the protection of a dry van with the flexibility of a flatbed.

Length: Typically 48’ – 53’

Width: Standard width of 8.5’

Load Capacity: Up to 45,000lbs

Max Height Capacity: 8’- 8’6”

Best For:

• Weather-sensitive freight
• Loads requiring side or crane loading
• High-value cargo

Auto Haulers

Auto haulers are specialized flatbed trailers designed specifically for transporting vehicles. They come in various configurations, including single-level and multi-level designs.

Length: 53’

Load Capacity: Approximately 6 – 10 cars

Max Weight Capacity: 48,000lbs

Best For:

• New and used car transportation
• Dealership deliveries
• Auction and private car transport